The NHS has long been considered the pride of the UK but chronic underfunding and poor organisation have led some to deem it ‘broken’, including current health secretary Wes Streeting. In fact, it is broken beyond repair.

1) A Money Drain - A universal healthcare system is inherently costly, requiring billions in funding each year without generating a profit. Critics argue that this kind of model is unsustainable, suggesting that the NHS’ current model is flawed. One alternative is a social insurance model, as seen in The Netherlands, which requires a monthly contribution from both employees and employers, ensuring consistent and equitable funding.

2) Issues With State Management - The state has repeatedly proven itself to be incapable of managing large-scale projects, exemplified by HS2 U-turns, the inconsistent policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and the chaotic handling of Brexit. The NHS is currently facing dissatisfied staff, lengthy waiting lists and a social care sector teetering on the edge of collapse. Despite numerous attempts to reorganise the NHS by the state, the severity of the ongoing crisis raises doubts about whether the state will ever be able to properly fix the system.

The severity of the ongoing crisis raises doubts about whether the state will ever be able to properly fix the system

3) Political Influence - Having a system which is so closely intertwined with the political system means that the NHS’ survival depends on party politics. For instance, during the austerity years under the Tory government, the NHS faced significant funding cuts, laying the foundations for the crisis of today. This political dependence creates a lack of consistency in support, leaving the NHS vulnerable to the whims of politicians focused on the next election cycle rather than ensuring the system’s long term viability. 

While some advocate for a complete overhaul through privatisation or social insurance, it is evident that the possibility of a successful and equitable universal healthcare system still exists. Therefore, despite being at breaking point, the NHS is not beyond repair.

1) Existing Framework - The NHS was never intended to be profitable - it is a healthcare system rather than a business. Introducing profit motives could lead to further inequalities and corruption, as seen in countries such as the US. The foundations of the NHS, such as belonging to and being for the benefit of the people, remain the backbone of the system and, with meaningful reform, can again be effective.

With public support and committed staff, the NHS is not beyond repair

2) National Consensus and Support - Despite political challenges, public support for the NHS remains strong. The NHS was the top voting issue in the 2024 election and Britons consistently state that the NHS is what makes them proudest to be British. The weekly applause for NHS staff during the pandemic was a powerful reminder of the system’s support. As long as the public continues to back the NHS, there will be pressure on governments to act accordingly. With public support and committed staff, the NHS is not beyond repair.

3) Political Change - The NHS’ politicisation, while problematic, is also necessary. As one of the largest recipients of tax expenditure, the needs of the NHS must be balanced against other political priorities. Following the 2008 recession, the Conservatives’ healthcare policies catalysed the NHS’ decline. However, as the economy improves, there is now more room and political will to prioritise NHS funding. Since Labour entered government, there have been several key reforms, including mental health support via 111 and a 22% pay rise for junior doctors as well as a focus on preventative care. Prioritising the NHS in this way shows how the right policies can help get it back on track.