NHS doctors have voted to call on the Government to drop its planned overhaul of the service.

Reforms from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley would see 150 bodies scrapped and 80% of the NHS budget being passed to doctors.

Although some GPs have backed the Health and Social Care Bill`s content, many are opposed to some sections, including a move to boost the presence of the private sector in health care delivery.

The British Medical Association has chaired an emergency meeting to examine the proposals, which led to doctors backing a call for Mr Lansley to call a halt to the Bill, and the "proposed top-down reorganisation of the NHS".

The 400 doctors at the meeting said ministers should act on criticism from opponents of the legislation and listen to criticism that they are without an "electoral mandate" on the issue.

The Government should also stop undermining primary care trusts - which are under threat - could be at risk of collapse after haemorrhaging staff, the doctors said.

BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said the revamp may have "irreversible" consequences which could impact on care, adding: "The Government`s proposed reforms have far-reaching and potentially irreversible consequences for how the NHS is run and the way we deliver care to our patients."

Copyright ⌐ Press Association 2011