A prominent local physician had his right to practice medicine abruptly terminated yesterday in a move that may hurt scores of local cancer patients, The Royal Gazette has learned.

In addition to being considered Bermuda's top ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, Dr. Jonathan Murray led local physicians in their battle with health insurance companies over a new fee schedule through much of the last year and is the Island's only qualified allergist.

Last night a number of patients contacted The Royal Gazette to express their outrage after learning of the shock Immigration move.

"He operated on my throat last year," one patient said. "I can't believe this is happening. I'd vouch for him any day."

After only four working days notice that his application for work permit renewal was denied, Dr. Murray was informed yesterday his permit had been yanked and he was to cease practising as of 5 p.m.

The renewal was requested in April 2001.

"There are patients I operated on (Friday), that I cannot continue to treat," a discouraged Dr. Murray told The Royal Gazette yesterday. "I had 40 patients to see on Monday and the same number again on Tuesday.

And many of his patients from the Allergy Clinic will also have their treatments interrupted midstream as there is no other practising local allergist.

The speed of the Immigration decision to end his practice left him reeling but Dr. Murray said he is loathe to think his public role in the health insurance row had anything to do with the decision.

"If that is the case, I would be very disappointed," he said. "It would mean expats are being muzzled for trying to help the community of Bermuda."

Dr. Murray said he first learned his work permit was in jeopardy through an answering machine message for Dr. Bruce Lattyak - who holds his work permit - left on December 27.

The message said the application for renewal of Dr. Murray's work permit had been refused and if Dr. Lattyak wished to appeal the decision he had to do so by January 3 or Dr. Murray must cease to work on that date.

Yesterday, the doctors were informed that Labour Minister Terry Lister had refused the appeal and Dr. Murray has to wrap up his practice immediately.

Neither doctor was given any reason for the Immigration decision and attempts by The Royal Gazette to contact Mr. Lister last night were unsuccessful.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, a re-appeal of the decision had been filed and Dr. Murray is also consulting with a lawyer.

At the moment, however, Dr. Murray said he feels he has no option but to leave the Island after eight years of service.

"I am very disappointed that I am being treated like this," he said. "I came to Bermuda because the only ENT specialist was retiring and helped Bermuda out by taking over his patients."

Originally, from Scotland, Dr. Murray holds five fellowships and two higher medical degrees equivalent to PhDs.

"I cannot stay if I cannot work," he said. "My wife has been here 24 years. We will have to leave as will my stepsons who were born on the Island."

Dr. Murray said he is concerned not only for himself and his patients but also for his staff of six Bermudians.

"There will be six Bermudians out of a job," he said. "I feel Bermuda does not appreciate, or Government does not appreciate, the expertise given to Bermuda that is now being rejected."