Scotland's less wealthy areas need greater access to GP services as the current system does not address persisting health inequalities, according to the Health and Sport Committee.

In its response today to the Scottish Government's Equally Well report on health inequalities, which was published in June this year, the committee called for a reassessment of the funding structures for GPs to deliver care that is more responsive to need.

The committee believes that the Scottish Government must press the British Medical Association to agree a new contract that encourages a greater proportion of GPs to work in deprived areas of Scotland.

"We know that health problems for the most deprived people in Scotland are around three times those encountered by those living in affluent areas. Yet there is a flat distribution of GPs across Scotland. That cannot be right," committee convener Christine Grahame said.

"The way that the funding formula currently works means that GPs working in deprived areas are financially disadvantaged compared to their colleagues working in more affluent areas.

"That is unfair both to the people working in the GP practices and the patients they serve. Clearly, it's also a disincentive to GPs working in deprived areas. That is exactly why the committee has encouraged the Scottish Government to take a strong line in its negotiations," she added.

The Government's report earlier this year noted that Scotland is becoming healthier overall, but that damaging health inequalities still remain. It called for a particular focus on children's health, heart disease, mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse.