BMA examines options for funding the NHS

Charges for patients, more private insurance, and a move to a system based on social insurance could all generate additional funds for the NHS, the BMA suggests in a new examination of financing. And it warns that charges might be needed if the additional money—estimated by the association to be £1.5bn-£2bn ($2.4bn-$3.2bn) a year over the next four years—is not forthcoming.

At present the BMA's policy is against charges, and the association believes that the financial needs of the NHS are best met from public funding, but because taxation and prescription charges produce insufficient funds, this year's annual meeting called for a re-examination of additional methods of financing (12 July, p 128).

In Options for Funding Health …