British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at rescuing the National Health Service (NHS), which he describes as being in a state of crisis.
The plan focuses on easing the strain on hospitals and shifting more care into community settings.
The NHS, a publicly funded cornerstone of British life, has faced mounting challenges in recent years. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, persistent winter pressures, waves of strikes, and growing wait times for elective treatments have taken a significant toll on the system.
Starmer has previously stated that the NHS must “reform or die.” He has committed to major changes that would allow the service to meet the rising demands of an aging population without increasing taxes.
In a statement, Starmer said his Labour government inherited a broken system when it took office a year ago, but the new strategy aims to “fundamentally rewire and future-proof” the NHS.
Key to the plan is the creation of modern health centres that consolidate a wide range of services in one location. According to the government, this approach will reduce hospital overload, help clear waiting lists, and reduce the constant pressure on frontline services.
Despite a turbulent first year in office marked by controversial spending cuts and some policy U-turns, the Labour government has made notable progress in healthcare. It has delivered 4 million additional appointments—twice its target—and reduced waiting times to their lowest level in two years.
Starmer acknowledged that reversing years of NHS decline will take time, but said the government is “already turning the tide.”
However, challenges remain. Disputes over drug pricing with the pharmaceutical industry continue, and further strikes by healthcare workers are possible. The government has also yet to release a promised roadmap for boosting the life sciences sector. Photo by Prime Minister’s Office, Wikimedia commons.