The health cheque

IN THe week the NHS marked its 70th anniversary, the BBC devoted hours to celebrating the ‘ heroes’ of the health service. The theme, as far as I could see, was how these incredible professionals actually saved people’s lives.

Well, I don’t want to pour cold water on the party, but they are doctors and nurses and that is their job.

And while huge numbers of its 1.5 million workforce are certainly tireless and dedicated, what was completely missing in all this glowing coverage was the fact that the NHS is not actually free.

It costs around £4,000 per taxpayer per year and, last month, the Government promised an extra £ 20 billion every year.

But then, is it any wonder the BBC’s such a cheerleader for the NHS? After all, it, too, requires us to keep coughing up money unconditionally to keep it afloat.