Exporting the NHS is a great idea

THE NHS is to be franchised worldwide. According to government plans, Britain should advise other countries — particularly those with rapidly expanding economies — on how to develop their healthcare systems.

The plan has led to criticism: some say it betrays a ‘colonialist’ attitude, while others suggest NHS chiefs should concentrate on improving services here.

I think it is an imaginative idea. The NHS has world- leading centres of excellence and many of its clinicians are global experts. It’s right to capitalise on this.

Moorfields (home to top eye specialists) has already launched a hospital in Dubai, while the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (a mental health specialist) has helped set up units in Abu Dhabi. other trusts are working in China.

If the NHS doesn’t do this, U.S. companies will. By selling British expertise, we are helping other countries, forging strong links and bringing extra cash to the NHS. It’s a win-win arrangement.