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.

What is the primary concern regarding NHS finances as discussed in the first section?

• Overcrowding in hospitals

• Lack of medical supplies

• Unpaid debts by foreign patients

• Increasing salaries for NHS staff

What is the government's target for recovering money from foreign patients in 2017-2018?

• £150 million

• £200 million

• £346 million

• £500 million

What is one of the main challenges in collecting payments from foreign patients?

• Insufficient medical equipment

• Lack of hospital staff

• Difficulty in identifying EU citizens

• High treatment costs

What incentive do hospitals receive for recovering payments?

• Reduced taxes

• Additional staff members

• A bonus for each payment recouped

• Increased funding for new equipment

What is the British Medical Association's priority when patients enter the hospital?

• Ensuring payment is collected

• Reporting to the government

• Treating and improving patient health

• Checking patient insurance