“Start private, end private”—a principle that could help protect the NHS from subsidising private care

With public satisfaction with the NHS at its lowest,1 the increasing use of private healthcare is concerning.2 The number of UK adults estimated to have health insurance doubled between 2021 and 2022.3 A YouGov survey conducted in April 2023 found that one in eight people in the UK reported using private healthcare, and one in four considered using private healthcare in the previous year.4 Of those using it, a third said that it was for the first time.4The relationship between the NHS and private healthcare sector in the UK is complex. Arguments in support of private provision emphasise taking pressure off the NHS and promoting choice for those who have the means to pay for healthcare.As an NHS GP, I am not convinced. The state pays a premium to train staff and provide a 24 hour, 365 day healthcare service. This means that anyone can access the care they need,…
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