More than a dozen prominent doctors and COVID-19 experts are calling for sanctions against an outspoken GP to be dropped, saying they fear AHPRA is being used as a means to “persecute” doctors for political reasons.

GP Professor Kerryn Phelps, epidemiologist Professor Raina Macintyre and former AMA WA president Dr Andrew Miller are among the 18 doctors and academics who have written an open letter to health ministers around the country.

The letter, which has more than 1600 signatories to date, calls on people to: “Read and sign below if you support free speech for registered health practitioners in Australia.”

It comes in response to the Medical Board of Australia’s actions against Dr David Berger, a locum rural and remote GP who was ordered last month to complete education on “courtesy” towards colleagues on social media in accordance with the code of conduct.