Sarwar Pledges 'Biggest NHS Reform in Decades' if Elected First Minister

Sarwar Pledges 'Biggest NHS Reform in Decades' if Elected First Minister

At the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow, party leader Anas Sarwar outlined an ambitious vision for the National Health Service, promising the "biggest reform of the NHS in decades" if he becomes Scotland's first minister in 2026. Speaking passionately about a crisis costing lives, Sarwar vowed to slash the growing bureaucracy that he says is holding back the health service.

Cutting Bureaucracy and Reducing Management

Sarwar called for a radical overhaul of NHS management. "We will end the growing culture of bureaucracy," he declared. His plan includes reducing the number of health boards from their current number down to just three, thereby shifting power away from boardrooms and closer to patients and frontline staff. "Put bluntly – fewer managers, more nurses. Fewer chief executives and more doctors," he emphasized, urging that funds be redirected to benefit those providing direct patient care.

Declaring a National Waiting Times Emergency

As part of his reform agenda, Sarwar proposed declaring a "national waiting times emergency" to address the mounting delays that are compromising patient care. This bold move is intended to focus urgent resources on reducing waiting times across the NHS, ensuring that patients receive timely treatment and care.

Embracing Digital Innovation and Efficiency

Highlighting the need for modern solutions, Sarwar promised to make the NHS fit for the future by embracing digital innovation and technology. He also pledged to establish a "Department of Government Efficiency"—a domestic nod to Elon Musk's controversial American agency—to streamline operations and eliminate waste across government services.

Additional Promises and Broader Reforms

Beyond the NHS, Sarwar's speech touched on a range of other reforms. He proposed introducing an "Amazon tax" for online retailers, banning mobile phones in classrooms, and empowering communities with directly-elected mayors. These measures are designed to cut red tape and deliver better value for taxpayers—a theme he reinforced by comparing the new Glasgow prison project to previous examples of wasteful spending.

Sarwar's proposals come at a time when the Scottish Labour leader is positioning himself as a viable alternative to the current leadership, promising not only healthcare reform but also a broader agenda aimed at revitalizing Scotland's economy and public services.
 

A Vision for a Reformed Scotland

Sarwar acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that his plans would require tough decisions and significant investment. Yet he remained confident in his ability to lead Scotland out of its current crises. "I will take on the top-heavy management that is holding the NHS back and deliver the biggest and most meaningful NHS reform in decades," he stated.

By pledging to ensure that every penny is spent efficiently, Sarwar aims to transform the NHS into a system where resources are used to directly benefit patients and frontline workers. His message was clear: Scotland deserves an NHS that is modern, efficient, and patient-centric.

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