Leaders: We dare not skimp on funding health
Already battle has been joined. The latest front is on funding for medical students which Scottish Labour claims has fallen by 5 per cent over the past six years. MSP and former GP Dr Richard Simpson says that the number of medical students receiving funding has fallen from 900 in 2008-9 to 848 in 2014-15.
Given the government debt pile and the need to halt the ever-rising annual burden of debt interest payments, the resultant squeeze on government spending has hit many services, although health is spared by a protective ring-fence and spending here is set to increase. However, this does not fully address the rising demographic pressures on health provision and, in this particular area, a looming shortage of doctors prepared to take on the responsibilities of general practice.
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