PM Starmer vows ‘surgery’ as UK NHS found to be surviving on ventilator support

An investigation into UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has revealed that the country’s healthcare system is surviving on ventilator support, with PM Keir Starmer now vowing to perform “major surgery.”

Findings by the cancer surgeon and former minister Ara Darzi revealed that the NHS was in ‘critical condition’ owing to years of neglect and falling productivity.

After collecting evidence from 227 organisations, the report found that the “awful state” of NHS was likely causing more deaths in UK annually, estimated at 14,000, than going to wars.

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Sorry state of NHS

To put things into perspective, the report revealed that patients turning up at A&E (accident and emergency) could now see 100 people lined up ahead of them. Just 15 years ago, the number was 39.

In 2010, 94 per cent of patients at A&E would be taken care of within four hours. Now, 10 per cent of them may have to wait for more than 12 hours. Also, just 60 per cent of the patients are now seen within four hours.

PM vows action

UK PM Starmer said he will not shy away from taking “controversial” action to fix the NHS and public health in England.

He also said that the NHS had to “reform or die” and it would take 10 years to implement the changes needed. “We need to have the courage to deliver long-term reform – major surgery not sticking plasters. We’ve got to face up to the challenges – ageing society, a higher burden of disease,” he said.

“I know some prevention measures will be controversial, but I’m prepared to be bold, even in the face of loud opposition. So no, some of our changes won’t be universally popular, we know that, but I will do the right thing for our NHS, our economy and our children,” the PM said.

Starmer said his administration is committed to build 40 new hospitals, a promise that was initially offered by Boris Johnson in 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)