Today, the NHS finds itself at breaking point, struggling with long waiting lists, chronic staff shortages, and increasing pressure on resources. This system, once a symbol of universal care, is now buckling under the weight of a government unwilling to invest.
The system has been decimated by austerity measures and chronic underfunding. I live with Type-1 diabetes – an autoimmune condition that requires lifelong management, unlike Type-2 which is often linked to lifestyle factors and can often be reversed. It wasn’t until I was on the verge of developing serious complications, such as blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage, that I was taken seriously. Until that point, my attempts to get timely intervention were either dismissed or ignored.
For lower income groups, the situation is more dire. Healthy food, crucial for managing conditions like diabetes, is simply too expensive. Instead, people are forced to rely on cheaper, processed alternatives high in glycemic index (GI), which spike blood sugar levels instead of keeping them stable. This makes it extremely difficult for individuals to manage their condition effectively, leading to long-term health complications that could have been prevented with better access to care and healthier options.
Diabates-related complications alone cost the NHS £10 billion annually, money that could be spent more effectively if patients had access to proper, preventative care. The case of Type-1 diabetes is just one example of how austerity is undermining the health of the population. From cancer to mental health services, the impact of underfunding is widespread, leaving patients to suffer.
Instead of addressing these issues, the government continues to push forward with more austerity, fewer resources and further privatisation of services. The healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. A radical shift is needed, one that prioritises the health of the population over budget cuts and corporate interests.
Louisa Eagle, West London
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