U.K. health agency studies service cuts

LONDON — Britain’s National Health Service has proposed cutting back on operations including breast reductions and anti-snoring treatments as part of plans to save money and reduce “unnecessary or risky procedures.”

National medical director Stephen Powis said the health agency could save an estimated $264 million a year by tightening the criteria for treatments where the risks could outweigh the benefits.

The list of 17 treatments under consideration to be halted or reduced includes tonsil removals and procedures for carpal tunnel, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Authorities will discuss the proposals this week.

The announcement came as demonstrators marched Saturday in London to mark the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service and demand an end to funding cuts under the Conservative government.

Valerie Bossman-Quarshie said she wanted to give the health service a “really good cheer” as she held a birthday card aloft to be signed by passing protesters.

“They’ve been there for me when I was sick and I just want to be there for them,” she said.

Opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn urged the marchers to have the “absolute determination that we will go to the end of the earth and beyond to defend our National Health Service.”