Dear Sir

The introduction of the recertification process for those doctors not in vocational-training programmes has been a public relations fiasco. It has alienated many of those involved who would have accepted a properly reasoned explanation.

What we have had from the two protagonists, the Medical Council and bpacnz (Best Practice Advocacy Centre), has been limited. What has been offered is simply a welter of rhetoric which goes nowhere near allaying the concerns of the 2500 doctors involved.

It seems it is now too late to stop the juggernaut. Nevertheless, if the two major players wish the support and cooperation from those afflicted they need to give credible answers to these questions:

In their initial programme guide, bpacnz state they reserve the right to review the annual fee, presently set at $1200. So the final question is:

There is support for the need for continuing education. What is proposed, and the manner of its introduction, seems an unnecessarily convoluted and expensive way of providing it.