IV – Health
SUMMARY
In five years’ time Britain will have one of the most expensive health
services in the world, but one which still fails to meet public
expectations. The problem with the NHS is not one of resources.
Rather, it is that the system remains a centrally run, state monopoly,
designed over half a century ago.
Tr a n s f e r r i n g c o n t ro l f ro m n a t i o n a l t o l o c a l p o l i t i c i a n s w o u l d n o t
address the NHS’ structural flaws. The only way to guarantee equity
and universal access, and remove politicians from controlling the
minutiae of care, is to give power directly to patients.
We should fund patients, either through the tax system or by way of
universal insurance, to purchase health care from the provider of their
choice. Those without means would have their contributions
supplemented or paid for by the state.
We can hold to the ideals of the NHS – guaranteeing care for all,
irrespective of their ability to pay – while showing that a 1940s
structure is no longer relevant in the Twenty-first Century. The
Conservative Party should lead the demand for change and
demonstrate that we have a compelling vision of better health care
reform for all.
AILIN
G
NHS
In five years’ time Britain will have one of the most expensive health
services in the world, second only to the USA. At 11 per cent of GDP,
health spending will be well above the European average and more
than 50 per cent higher than the GDP shares of Scandinavia and New
Zealand. On a worldwide basis the public sector share of spending is
likely to be the highest of any system.
Yet there is little sign that we will have the health services to match.
