Dick Dasterdly

Seems to be a big news story today.

NHS vulnerable to health card fraud, government admits - BBC News

While many of us are aware that some expats misuse their cards in Spain and elsewhere, apparently the cards are being misused or abused on a much broader scale by foreign nationals who come to the UK, sign on for a doctor, obtain a card and then return to their own countries or elsewhere to use the cards for free treatment, which of course has to be paid for by the NHS.

The other factor which deserves mention is that these freeloaders have mostly lived outside the system in their country of origin and made no contributions to the same and as a result cannot obtain an EHIC. there.

Whilst not condoning expats who abuse the system, it can at least be said that most of them will also have made significant contributions to the system at some stage, whereas visitors coming to the UK with the sole intention of obtaining a card for fraudulent use have not.

mikelincs

Seems a bit of a failure by whoever gives out the EHIC card, and those who give people NHS numbers, as they are needed to get the EHIC card.

Dick Dasterdly

It seems a more positive identification system is required, maybe with the use of passports, though personally I would have no objection to a UK ID card system as operates successfully in most other countries.

EMR

I agree and the same should apply to those on Benefits, how can those not working or contributing expect the UK taxpayer to pay for their overseas holidays.

mikelincs

I've always said that there is enough information on people out there, so I don;t see why people object to a National ID card, we already have specific NHS numbers for everyone, so it wouldn't take much to turn that into an ID card. I know that hospitals moved from each hospital having it's own numbering system to using the NHS number at a time when hospitals were amalgamating, and it was found that in some cases two, or more, hospitals were using the same numbering system, so there was a great danger of mixing up records, so everyone changed the the specific NHS nuber which is generated at birth and satays the same throughout life.

iano

The EHIC should be dependent on providing an NI number, rather than an NHS number.

The NI number should also be on a card, proof of identity as well as evidence of right to work.

shirley and anthony hide

Might be a bit difficult if you are under sixteen.
You only get issued with an NI number when you reach that age.

mikelincs

As I said, the NHS number is best, allocated at birth, so no problems with age.

iano

Ah, like the man with the orthopaedic shoe, I stand corrected.

Thanks both.

shirley and anthony hide

No unfortunately NHS numbers are being allocated to people fraudulently ,that's what the report was about.

Dick Dasterdly

I wonder if the situation regarding the Spanish scam involving diverting patients with valid EHICs from state to private hospitals, has improved after they got their wrists slapped by the EU ?
I've not heard it mentioned lately.

Tadd1966

Simple solution we should have a single EU NHS in a single pot giving EVERY EU citizen the same health care wherever they live. If richer countries have to subsidise poorer ones then so be it. It works in the UK for the 4 member nations so why not for the EU and poorer areas in the UK get subsided by richer areas


Private health care should be banned or at least all private health care professionals should be forced to support the EU NHS with a minimum of 50% of facilities, staff and time


All training for medics (doctors and nurses etc.) should be funded by a central fund and all professionals work for the EU NHS with competitive and suitable salaries and if they leave the EU NHS for pastures / riches new within 25 years of qualifying they must refund ALL education fees plus interest

amideislas

Lovely sentiment, however, that would presume much more integration between EU-dependent states and non-EU-dependent states. Also presumes there wouldn't be any infighting over who runs the programme and receives the bulk of the money.

Fred James

You have to joking surely!

The UK can't afford the NHS now, let alone if it has to prop up failing EU member economies in Eastern Europe.

Personally, I would prefer to see the NHS move towards a pay as you go system with the usual safeguards for seriously needy patients. They should start with changing for cancelled doctors appointments and trivial use of A&E.

You say it works in the UK for 4 nations - then why do so many people in Wales try and get treatment in England.

Tadd1966

Why not have more integration within the EU - who really benefits from this separatism not the people that's for sure


For me a much more integrated EU based on what the people really need which for most will be


1. A job
2. An equal, free and fair education system for all
3. The best health care for all
4. A welfare state that's looks after you when needed
5. A good pension for retirement
6. Housing
7. A few of life's little luxuries


If this means common tax, common banking, an elected EU parliament then yes I would support it


Remember this works (not perfectly) for the 4 state UK (and other countries such as the Netherlands) why not for a 28 state EU. yes there will be compromise and change but it will be for the benefits of all and not for the corrupt greed.


Yes it will take time but we all love our children, we all have the same basic needs and we all s**t the same!!!


3 steps forward and 2 steps back is STILL progress