Letter: Cure for the NHS

Peter F. Jones
Thursday 07 January 1999 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Your leading article of 6 January states clearly why voters who "want to spend more on the NHS ... will have to meet the costs". Now is the time for the Government to take advantage of the value which the great majority of the population place on the principles of our NHS, and to introduce a Health Service Levy on every one in paid employment, graduated to income.

There always seems to be Treasury resistance to a hypothecated tax, but there would be general understanding of the reasoning behind a levy specifically dedicated to the NHS.

We cannot afford to overlook the strength of opinion which wishes the NHS to be in a position to meet its obligations, and is prepared to contribute towards achieving them.

PETER F JONES

Aberdeen

The writer is Emeritus Clinical Professor of Surgery, University of Aberdeen

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in