Healthcare strategy too dominated by politics, says public poll

Politicians are taking too much control from doctors in terms of how the NHS is run, according to a public survey conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA).

Carried out by Ipsos Mori, the report revealed that 73 percent believe political parties are designing health policy to win votes, not to do what is best for the NHS. Moreover, 66 percent are in favour of doctors having a greater say in how the NHS is run.

The report also revealed that 65 percent of people believe the NHS should manage itself without the involvement of politicians, as it understands how best to provide healthcare. By contrast, only 33 percent agree that parliament should set overall targets for the health service.

According to the BMA, these public concerns about political interference with the NHS are widely shared by doctors.

BMA Council chair Dr Mark Porter said: "Politicians should be accountable for the running of the NHS, but when it comes to decisions on patient care it is time to allow doctors to do what they do best."

Dr Porter also recently stated during a speech on the opening day of the BMA's annual conference in Harrogate that politicians need to accept they have damaged the NHS with unnecessary reforms, year-on-year cuts and failed ideological changes.