Legal loopholes in the Health and Social Care Bill could leave health services open to exploitation by profiteering outsiders [such as Serco], and to misinterpretation by politicians and interest groups keen to capitalise on its uncertainties, according to independent policy experts.
The Bill is permissive, not prescriptive, allowing a variety of interpretations to be put upon it by critics and supporters – as well as those keen to profit from the opportunities – said Nick Goodwin, a senior fellow at the King’s Fund health policy think-tank.
There is nothing in the legislation that allows GPs to charge for NHS services, as Labour claims, but GPs are already permitted to charge for items outside their NHS duties – such as providing insurance medicals and travel vaccinations – and these might be extended.
British government more than happy to allow Serco et al into the tent?
