Forum Brief: Conservative health policy

The Conservatives have set out plans for "patients' passports" in the NHS, as they seek to focus on quality of life issues in the run up to the next general election.

Party leader Iain Duncan Smith said the proposals would allow those needing medical treatment to shop around in the NHS and the private sector.

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

Ruth Lea, head of the IoD policy unit, told ePolitix.com: "The UK has fallen behind the standards of healthcare provision in other developed countries and it shows. People must be incentivised to contribute directly to their own healthcare, resources must be allocated on sound economic principles and the provision of healthcare services must be taken out of the politicised vice grip of the state.

"We have suggested ways forward. We offer them in the spirit of stimulating and furthering a radical debate on healthcare that is long overdue. Healthcare services are of vital importance and not just to the business sector. They are important to us all."

Forum Response: The Association of British Insurers

Richard Walsh, head of health at the Association of British Insurers, said: "We are pleased that the Conservatives have announced some specific policies on health care provision in the UK.

"However, we need to consider carefully if these proposals would lead to a more efficient system, which would deliver quick and cost -effective healthcare to all.

"It is unclear whether co-payment insurance would actually increase private funding. Take up of healthcare insurance policies would need to increase by over 40 per cent to reach the current level of premium income."