The British Medical Association (BMA) has launched its general election policy, or as it calls it 'manifesto' which says political parties shouldn't adopt a 'slash and burn' approach to NHS finances and services. The association praised the NHS by saying it provided better value for money compared to any other healthcare system in the world.

The BMA is an independent trade union and voluntary professional association which represents doctors and medical students from all branches of medicine all over the UK.

The body also said that ministers should continue to invest in the NHS at a time when demand for services is increasing. The BMA's chairman, Dr Hamish Meldrum said: "Tough questions are being asked about public services. But even during a time of financial stringency, continued investment in the NHS is vital. A slash and burn response to the need for savings would be dangerous and short sighted, risking long term damage to the infrastructure of the health service. Now more than ever we should acknowledge the success of the NHS and recognise the support it gives people when times are hard. It would be a disastrous error to resort to measures such as cutting clinical staff at a time when demand for healthcare is increasing."

The BMA calls for political parties to provide fair working conditions and rewards, which they believe are essential for the delivery of high quality health care to the population. They want to ensure that high quality health care training and research are accessible, and to free doctors and nurses from political interference and to work with other health professionals and managers to improve care across the NHS.