Chapter 3: (5) Managing the NHS

Introduction

With rising healthcare costs, the need to provide high quality healthcare in a welfare system has become more difficult. In this section, we will see the 3 ways the British government has managed the NHS.


#1: Managing government spending

If healthcare costs increase, the government has to collect more taxes to pay for healthcare!

So, in 1980s, the govt tried to cut back on government spending.


However, there was a fear among the British people that the NHS would not be able to provide free and quality healthcare services if govt spending on healthcare was reduced. This was something the British were NOT willing to accept!!



In 2000, PM Tony Blair promised that the government would increase public spending on healthcare and improve the NHS. However, this increase was accompanied by increases in National Insurance contributions in 2003.


Why would such increases in National Insurance contributions be necessary??


#2: Increasing efficiency
















#3: Providing quality service