Scottish Parliament Elections

The RCGP Scotland manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election sets out seven steps to strengthen general practice and protect patient care.

General practice is the cornerstone of the NHS and is integral to the vision of a healthier, more equitable Scotland.

It is the first port of call for most people when they are unwell, and GPs help patients navigate the medical world with trusting, whole-person care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Without general practice, the NHS simply could not exist as we know it. Investing in general practice leads to better health outcomes and delivers significant value to patients, the wider NHS, the economy, and society as a whole.

But general practice is in perpetual crisis. GPs strive to provide the best possible care to their patients, but are struggling to meet the demand of growing patient numbers with more complex healthcare needs with a shrinking GP workforce, fewer practices and stagnant IT and infrastructure. The chronic lack of investment in general practice means some practices cannot afford to employ more GPs to expand the workforce as needed, while others - particularly in remote and rural areas - have persistent and damaging GP recruitment challenges, with unfilled vacancies threatening patient access to time with their GP.

We now have no doubt that the key target of recruiting 800 GPs by 2027 will not be met and in fact, we have at least 222 fewer whole time equivalent GPs in Scotland than in 2013. GP workload is unsustainable, we are losing GPs faster than we train new ones, and patients are frustrated by difficulties in obtaining an appointment with their GP. If we don’t change course, our NHS will be overwhelmed; with longer waiting times, reduced continuity of care, and patient safety at risk.

Patients benefit greatly from the value of the GP, who offers expert, whole-person medical care throughout all stages of life.

GPs understand the complexity and uncertainty that can come with ongoing health concerns and can work closely with individuals to manage these challenges with compassion and skill. Rooted in the communities they serve, GPs aim to provide care that is not only comprehensive and continuous but also equitable and responsive to each patient’s unique needs, circumstances, and background. They collaborate within and lead growing multidisciplinary teams to ensure that patients and their families receive holistic care — supporting both physical and mental health.

In Scotland today, general practice delivers around 90% of patient contact with a fraction of the NHS budget. It is one of the most fiscally responsible parts of our health system and represents one of the greatest returns on investment. A stronger general practice supports all parts of our health and care system: it is the solution to the NHS crisis.

But to give patients the care in their communities that they deserve, the enormous contribution that GPs make needs to be truly valued.

That’s why it is critical that all political parties make general practice and patient care a top priority in their manifestos ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

RCGP Scotland manifesto (PDF file, 171 KB)

Email your local MSPs

Now that our manifesto has been launched, we need your help to spread the message to decision makers. The more political parties that commit to our manifesto asks, the greater the chance that the next Scottish Government will deliver the investment and support that general practice urgently needs. We’ve made it quick and easy: simply use our online tool to contact all your MSPs. A draft letter is provided, which you’re welcome to personalise if you wish.

Take action

General practice: the solution to the NHS crisis

RCGP Scotland Election Manifesto 2026

Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, RCGP Scotland’s manifesto ‘General practice: the solution to the NHS crisis’ sets out seven steps to strengthen general practice and protect patient care.