Will political parties prioritise the health service in run-up to the general election?
All political parties should focus on the NHS during the general election campaign and commit to ‘a long-term funding solution’ for the health service, says the BMA.
In what it is calling its ‘manifesto’, the BMA has set out five areas it wants action on by the political parties. They are:
- a long-term funding solution for the NHS
- alleviation of pressure across the health system
- HS to take priority during Brexit negotiations
- stabilisation of general practice as it faces unprecedented demand
- a reversal of public health cuts
BMA council chair Mark Porter said: ‘Our NHS is at breaking point and it would be all too easy for this election to become the “Brexit election”’ and little else, at precisely the time when the health service needs the unrelenting focus of politicians from all parties.’
Reflection
- Obviously, these points would all be very welcome for the NHS. But is this general election going to be anything other than a ‘Brexit’ election? The Prime Minister has called the vote for the express purpose of strengthening her hand in negotiations with the EU and that seems to be the inevitable battleground
Further information
BMA: A vote for health