Overseas charge is welcome
A plan to charge overseas patients upfront for nonurgent NHS care seems like a good idea. A tonic even!
We pay our taxes to fund the NHS, so surely it’s only right that those from overseas not eligible for free treatment and who don’t contribute, pay for any treatment they receive.
A recent poll showed that 74% of respondents didn’t just support the idea but wanted to increase the charges for visitors from outside the UK. What’s not to like? Health secretary Jeremy Hunt reckons the move will recover some £500million a year to reinvest in the NHS.
That’s a significant amount for a cash strapped service groaning at the seams.
While the majority support the move in principle, careful note should be taken of just who opposes the new legislation.
Readers may be surprised to discover doctors have expressed their concern. Given the move is designed to help those working in the NHS, the misgivings of doctors must heeded.
The BMA doctors’ union fear the move will “sow chaos and confusion” into the NHS and suggests there is a risk of demonising overseas patients. The union’s concerns are valid.
The NHS is struggling enough as it is without another layer of bureaucracy stretching its workforce.
And there is enough divisive rhetoric stigmatising overseas visitors without more anti-foreigner sentiment fuelling the far right.
But the principle of charging overseas patients still stands.
Providing it is handled sensibly and sensitively, and backed with cash to ensure no extra strain on the NHS, the move should be welcomed.
We await the details with interest...