The main problem for the NHS, like the main problem for education, is the ability of the wealthy to opt out, which diminishes pressure to improve the system. We have to wake up to the fact that good public education and health systems are incompatible with the existence of private health and education facilities.
This article first appeared in the New Statesman. For the latest in current and cultural affairs subscribe to the New Statesman print edition.
All letters to the editor are considered for publication in the weekly magazine. Letters should be as short as possible and should give a full postal address. We reserve the right to cut or edit letters.
Private medicine [
