Post by Syed Zeeshan Haider

Doctors in the UK pay to go to work. Literally. To practise medicine in the UK, every doctor must pay the General Medical Council (GMC) an annual fee — just to stay legally allowed to work. From April 2026: £481 every year to hold a licence to practise Even without a licence: £172 per year Newly qualified doctors pay £516 for their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) Doctors using the portfolio pathway to become a specialist or GP pay £1,974 This is on top of: Student debt (often £80k–£100k+) Exam fees Mandatory courses Indemnity costs Rising living costs Meanwhile, resident doctors’ pay has fallen by over 25% in real terms since 2008. So when you hear about doctors taking strike action, remember: They are not refusing to work They are not asking for special treatment They are asking for pay restoration after years of erosion — while still paying hundreds (sometimes thousands) of pounds just to remain registered Doctors are regulated, revalidated, scrutinised — and charged for the privilege. Fair pay isn’t unreasonable. It’s essential for retention, morale, and patient safety. Support your doctors. Because a health service that undervalues its workforce cannot survive.