Egalitarian ideals shape Scotland’s distinct health policies, but independence raises a key question: party agenda or public belief?
Is it possible that if Scotland achieved independence, healthcare in Scotland would substantially improve? Yes. In all likelihood, the Scottish Government would create a package of investment involving borrowing and the creation of new money. It would likely aim to match the healthcare funding average of the EU14 countries. A boost of around 20% per person. Given the goals remain about public healthcare expenditure, such a boost in growth for the NHS would make substantial improvements to healthcare access and delivery.
But what about asking the question the other way round: is it possible to substantially improve healthcare provision in Scotland while remaining part of the Union? I can’t see a path to it. Yes, it is likely that the Scottish government will be able to fend off the cuts to the NHS and the privatisation of much of it through the powers of devolution. But it seems inconceivable that the NHS will substantially improve from what it is just now if Scotland remains tied to the priorities of Westminster.
With limited powers to invest in the NHS and many competing priorities, the Scottish Government (and the people), in the absence of Scottish independence, may have to make do with a decent-but-not-excellent healthcare system.