Too many visit GPs with minor ailments, campaigners say
Patients visiting GPs with minor problems
Too many people are going to see their GP with minor problems, such as coughs and colds, a group of doctors and health campaigners says.
The report by the ’Self-Care Campaign‘ says common ailments account for nearly one fifth of GPs' workload. It says the cost to the health service across the UK is nearly £2bn a year.
The campaign - funded by drugs companies selling over-the-counter medicines - has won backing from doctors, nurses and health charities. A full report is on the BBC website.