Time to open up the NHS – and economy

PROTECT the NHS. That has been the sober mantra of our political masters to prevent the organisation collapsing under a deluge of coronavirus cases.

It was a noble sentiment (although one might argue the health service exists to protect us, not the other way round).

But the monomaniacal focus on Covid has heartbreaking consequences. By making the NHS a bulwark against patients with other ailments, ministers have sowed the seeds for a tandem health crisis.

Official figures are frightening. A startling 4.7million are in the queue for surgery – with 388,000 waiting a year – their lives blighted by fear, anxiety and pain. And that doesn’t count those who suffer abnormal lumps, chest pains or breathing difficulties but can’t or won’t seek treatment.

Boris Johnson promises funds to tackle the backlog. But to have money in the purse, society must fully reopen. If firms fold and jobs disappear, who will pay the taxes to fund public services?

Evidence shows that Britain’s economic engine is purring. Given the vaccine blitz’s success, and with deaths and cases tumbling, it is troubling No10 refuses to pull out the throttle more quickly.

So many have sacrificed so much of their lives and livelihoods to protect the NHS. Surely it’s their turn to be looked after.