Lowe Calls for Royal Commission to Overhaul "Failing" NHS

Rupert Lowe, a suspended Reform MP, has called for a Royal Commission to overhaul the National Health Service (NHS). He proposes exploring alternative healthcare models, including a potential shift towards payment at the point of use. Lowe, a wealthy businessman, argues that the current system is outdated and failing patients.

Lowe, who was suspended from Reform UK following a dispute with leader Nigel Farage, criticized his party for its reluctance to modernize the NHS. He accused all major political parties of being afraid to address the NHS's shortcomings, fearing public backlash. He believes the NHS, established in 1948, has outlived its usefulness and needs a comprehensive review independent of political influence.

The NHS, with an annual budget of approximately £200 billion and employing 1.3 million people, faces numerous challenges. These include significant staffing shortages, with over 100,000 key positions unfilled, and declining patient satisfaction due to difficulties in accessing timely appointments.

Lowe, elected as an MP last July, claims he was ostracized for discussing issues and suggesting solutions, including the state of the NHS. He believes politicians are afraid to criticize the NHS, despite its failures. He advocates for a Royal Commission to study successful healthcare systems in other countries and adopt their best practices. This could involve changes to the funding model to improve efficiency.

Lowe emphasizes the need to consider healthcare models beyond the NHS or the American system. He points out that other countries have effective systems with better patient outcomes. He believes the current structure needs to be rebuilt, acknowledging the dedication of medical professionals working within a failing system. He questions why so many professionals leave the NHS for other healthcare systems and urges Parliament to move beyond what he calls the "NHS cult.