Struck-off NHS Doctor Continues Circumcision Practice After GMC Removal
A doctor who was struck off by the General Medical Council (GMC) over a "reckless" circumcision that risked killing a toddler is still performing the procedure as a layperson, according to a Guardian investigation. Campaigners have labelled this situation a "catastrophic failure of safeguarding," highlighting growing alarm about the absence of regulation for circumcision in the UK.
Details of the GMC Case and Ongoing Practice
Zuber Bux, 55, had his licence to practise removed by the GMC in 2021 after a tribunal upheld a complaint of serious misconduct. The case involved a 15-month-old boy, referred to as Patient A, whom Bux circumcised in the community despite the child's known heart condition. A series of medical blunders led to the toddler being transferred to hospital "in a potentially life-threatening situation."
The GMC panel stated that Bux adopted a "cavalier approach" and that his misconduct was of "such a serious nature" that removal from the medical register was the only proportionate sanction to protect the public and uphold professional standards. Despite this finding, Bux continues to advertise his services as a "circumcision practitioner" in north-west England, including areas like Blackburn, Preston, Bolton, Burnley, Accrington, and Nelson. This is legal because there is no requirement for circumcisers to be medically trained.
Broader Context and Campaigner Concerns
Data obtained by the National Secular Society (NSS) under freedom of information reveals that Bux is one of three former doctors who have had their licences removed by the GMC due to complaints about botched circumcisions between 2012 and 2022. In a similar case, Mohammad Siddiqui was struck off in 2015 over medical failures in four circumcisions and continued performing the procedure until he was sentenced to over five years in prison last year for causing "gratuitous pain and suffering."
Alejandro Sanchez, head of human rights at the NSS, emphasised the dangers, stating, "The fact that Mr Bux can perfectly legally continue to circumcise boys is a catastrophic failure of child safeguarding that is endangering the lives of boys." He argued that ritual circumcision is medically unnecessary, dangerous, and violates a child's right to freedom of religion or belief, calling for such procedures to be deferred until individuals can decide for themselves.
Specific Failures and Lack of Insight
The tribunal detailed specific mistakes by Bux, including failing to consider Patient A's congenital cardiac condition, inadequately informing his parents about risks, insufficient pain relief, and administering excessive amounts of liquid morphine. Bux's lawyer claimed it was a one-off incident, with thousands of circumcisions performed without complications, but the panel found he lacked insight, showed no remorse, and gave no explicit apology. Bux was also struck off for "financially motivated dishonesty" after signing hundreds of bogus sicknotes for his wife's legal firm.
Regulatory and Legal Developments
This case comes amid increasing scrutiny of circumcision practices. Last month, the Guardian revealed that the Crown Prosecution Service is consulting on guidance that could categorise circumcision as potential child abuse, following concerns from judges and coroners about regulatory gaps. Since 2001, circumcision has been a factor in the deaths of seven boys, including three who bled to death.
On his website, Bux offers circumcisions for "religious/cosmetic reasons" for babies up to six months old, noting he has been performing them since 2003 and was a former senior partner at a GP practice. The site mentions he is no longer GMC-registered but does not explain why. Bux has been approached for comment on these revelations.
