By Lucy Ashton
Scottish Labour has called on the Health Secretary to pledge that patients won’t be forced to pay for more NHS services after an SNP MSP suggested that they should.
Last night on BBC Debate Night, SNP MSP Michelle Thomson sparked alarm by suggesting that people should be required to pay for more NHS services.
During a discussion on the future of Scotland’s NHS, the MSP stated that “arguably, there are some things that those of us who are able to do so might be willing to pay for”.
Scottish Labour branded the proposals “jaw-dropping” and warned that the NHS’ founding principle of free care at the point of need is at risk under the SNP.
The number of Scots turning to private healthcare has risen sharply in recent years as waiting lists spiral.
In 2022 40 per cent of all hip and knee operations in Scotland took place in independent sector and a shocking 1,745 rounds of chemotherapy were paid for privately by patients.
Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie, pictured right, said “Our NHS has fallen into chaos as a result of the SNP’s disastrous stewardship – but instead of dealing with this crisis, the SNP is now threatening to make Scots pay for lifesaving care.
“The Health Secretary must distance himself from these jaw-dropping comments and rule out new NHS charges.
“More and more people are already being forced to pay for private care because of record waiting lists and now the threat of charges is looming – it’s clear that the founding principles of our NHS are at risk under the SNP.
“Scottish Labour is committed to protecting our NHS and tacking this crisis so our health service can deliver the care people need, free at the point of need.”