DOCTORS in Wales today published their prescription for the Welsh NHS ahead of next year’s Senedd election.

BMA Cymru is demanding better investment in general practice, recruiting more doctors and improving the nation’s health to save the NHS.

BMA Welsh Council chairwoman Dr Iona Collins said: “Our NHS is at breaking point with patients waiting too long, doctors are stretched beyond safe limits, and the system is struggling to cope.

“This manifesto is our prescription for change. The collapse of the NHS is not inevitable, this is our plan to turn the tide, to restore the health service and protect the future of care in Wales.”

The detailed manifesto covers what the union says are the challenges facing NHS Wales, with record waiting lists, unsafe practices like corridor care, and a workforce crisis that is driving doctors away.

The Senedd 2026 manifesto, Health in our Hands, sets out what BMA Cymru claims is a practical plan to rebuild the NHS in Wales.

The manifesto focuses on five areas — investment for general practice, fairer pay, prioritising patient safety, improving the nation’s health and recruiting and retaining more doctors to bring down waiting lists and provide a higher standard of care.

It calls for urgent action to retain Welsh-trained doctors, expand training opportunities, and address the root causes of staff burnout and under-resourcing.  

“These are not just the priorities of doctors, they are the foundations of a safe, effective and sustainable NHS,” Dr Collins said.

“We stand ready to work with the next Welsh government to deliver the change our patients need. The people of Wales cannot wait.”