Every government before assuming the reign promises not only to maintain but improve our NHS to be the best in the world, fit for 21st Century. It is short lived promise, confined to dust-bin as soon as it takes power.
It is regrettable that government is unwilling to overcome political dogma that NHS should only be funded out of public taxation, although it is misguided conception, even outright lie, as we pay heavily for prescription and dental treatment which is supposed to be part of NHS.
Most people would willingly contribute for hospital treatment if we can attain the standard established in France and Germany where there is no waiting time, treatment available on demand, within 48 hours in most cases.
While government believe in public private partnership in most enterprises, such as railways, road infrastructure, somehow NHS is taboo, untouchable except by ever decreasing public funding per patient. GP, A & E and hospital admission is struggle beyond endurance, especially for elderly people. No wonder exacerbated OAPs who are financially affluent prefer to go private rather than suffer in silence.
Britain, supposedly fifth richest country, has lowest number of hospital beds per capita in EU, disgrace which should shame us all. Unfortunately our fiduciary flamboyant, intelligentsia lacking politicians have thick skin to affect them morally, personally or politically.
Kumudini Valambia
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