Sunday, 19th April 2020
I’m going to be controversial. Again.
I have a big problem with the current situation. I’m all for isolating ourselves to avoid needless contamination. I’m all for encouraging personal hygiene to prevent spreading diseases. I’m all for supporting NHS and other healthcare and social care workers.
I do, however, have a problem with the idea that we have to give money to this cause. We don’t. We are lucky in this country, we have a centrally funded healthcare system, funded out of taxation, that we are all able to access, free at the point of use. Pandemic or no pandemic, the NHS is funded. It really is the envy of the world.
With the encouragement of fundraising, I genuinely worry that, in the future, there will be a feeling that the public are expected to top up the NHS with donations. Shouldn’t we, if we want a world class healthcare system that is ready to deal with pandemics and seasonal flu, be prepared to pay more in taxation for it.
I’m sure that the millions of pounds raised so far is going to good causes. I hope it is being used responsibly and makes a difference. I hope, too, it is not used as an excuse to reduce funding in the future because the public will pick up the difference.
On a lighter note, I’ve launched the self-publishing page, for authors wanting a bespoke self-publishing package! Check it out here.
