NHS To Miss Target For Charging Health Tourists

The NHS faces financial challenges with unrecovered debts from foreign patients, amounting to at least £150 million. Health tourism and the immigration health surcharge are contributing factors. The government aims to collect £500 million annually from foreign patients but is expected to fall short. Hospitals face difficulties in debt recovery, especially from non-EEA patients. Incentives are provided to hospitals for successful debt collection. While the NHS should be paid what it's owed, doctors prioritize patient care over acting as border guards. The British Medical Association highlights the challenge of balancing treatment with financial recovery.

How does the Conservative government plan to ensure that those who aren't entitled to free treatment pay for their care?

What is the British Medical Association's stance on the collection of payments from foreign patients?