Let’s consider alternatives to the NHS:
“France is perhaps the best example, as it blends a patient centric and choice-based schematic – with a healthy dose of private sector involvement – alongside state coverage and provision. It manages to combine great healthcare outcomes – which come from the incorporation of competition, with healthcare for all – which only the state can guarantee. Indeed, one of the most comprehensive comparative studies of world healthcare systems undertaken, The World Health Organization’s 2000 report, ranked the French healthcare system the best in the world.
The French system is universal, in so far as it provides healthcare for all. The use of government in its delivery is considerable, but not excessive (40% of French hospital beds are provided by charities or for-profit companies.) But there is perhaps one key difference, which allows the French system to be so effective: employer provided insurance. Although the government will cover anyone who doesn’t have access to employer provided insurance – providing a minimum of healthcare access – many have extra insurance on top of their basic cover. So, you have a government set baseline, with options for individuals to supplement their cover with private alternatives.”