Millions of patients face being dropped by their GP for being too healthy. They will be axed if they have not seen a doctor in five years and fail to respond to two written warnings.The measure is aimed at freeing up space on surgery lists as well as saving public money.

In some areas patients are being written off after just a year. ‘This is an outrageous practice which undermines the principle that people have a right to be registered with a GP,’ said Norman Lamb, the LibDem health spokesman.

‘It will hit some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, including many who suffer from mental ill health. It should be abandoned forthwith.’