Doctors despair over health tourists

Ministers came under pressure today to clamp down on the growing problem of health tourism.

Doctors called for a tightening-up of the system as they revealed that up to one in 10 of their patients are abusing the NHS.

Delegates at the British Medical Association's annual conference lined up to tell how they are struggling to cope with burgeoning numbers of health tourists, estimated to cost the NHS ?200million a year.

One GP, Dr David Shubhaker, from Gants Hill, Ilford, said 10 per cent of his patients are ineligible for NHS care.

"Patients are coming from all areas: Somalia, Eastern Europe, India and Pakistan," he added. "They are usually relatives who are visiting and seeking medical help.

"We are not able to say no, as primary care organisations do not give us any direction. So it's up to the doctor's discretion."

Another GP, Kate Adams, from east London, called for a more rigorous system of checking patients' identification.

"We are treating people who are not eligible for NHS care at a time when the NHS is under enormous pressure," she said.

"I am not suggesting we don't treat people who need emergency care. But at present all you need to register with a GP is proof of address."

She said ID cards would make it easier for doctors to check patients' eligibility.

The Health Department is consulting on plans to stop overseas visitors abusing the system.