Health watchdogs have warned Government reforms could harm patient care and “undermine” the future of the NHS.
The British Medical Association (BMA) urged against what it suggested were “arbitrary” cuts, a “slash and burn” approach and “poorly considered” policies.
A new report criticised moves towards a market-based health service in recent years.
It also claimed a planned overhaul of the NHS could see a shift in focus from quality to cost.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley’s White Paper aims to give GPs much of the multimillion-pound budget currently handled by health trusts and give hospitals more independence.
Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of council of the BMA, said: “There are proposals in the White Paper that doctors can support and want to work with.
“But there is also much that would be potentially damaging.
“Clinicians should have more autonomy to shape services for their patients, but pitting them against each other in a market-based system creates waste, bureaucracy and inefficiency.”
The BMA said there were “positive elements” to the report, but set out a series of concerns.
It stated: “There are aspects of the White Paper’s proposals which have the potential to undermine the stability and long-term future of the NHS.
The BMA has not supported the direction taken in the NHS in England in recent years, which is accelerated by the proposals set out in the White Paper, despite evidence showing that increased commercialisation has not been beneficial for the NHS or patients.”
Mr Lansley said he welcomed the BMA’s response to the White Paper, pointing to its support for GP-led commissioning.
“There are many GPs across the country who are keen to make the transition quickly, others want to know more about how it’s going to work before they implement it,” he said.
“This is what the consultation process is about, everyone coming forward to say how can we make this work.”
Sky News