Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has called on his political opponents across the Highlands and Islands to get behind the Scottish Government’s draft budget proposals that commits an extra £729 million for health and care services.

Last month, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay MSP announced plans to increase spending on NHS frontline boards by £430 million – including a £2.7 million funding boost for NHS Western Isles. 

MSPs will vote on draft budget proposals next month, that include an extra £90 million to improve waiting times and a further £8 million to support trauma networks.

Analysis from HM Treasury, shows health spending per head in Scotland is almost 9% higher than in England, amounting to over £1 billion more spending on health services for Scotland compared to England.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“The SNP in government is investing record amounts in the NHS to build a health service fit for the future. These plans would take spending levels to £754 million over and above inflation since 2016/17.

“As a cherished public service for the past seventy years, MSPs must do all we can to ensure our health service is properly funded and fit for the future.

“That’s why I’m calling on Highlands and Islands MSPs to get behind the Finance Secretary’s plans. These will protect the health service, ensuring it remains safe in public hands and not put at risk of privatisation by the Tories. If Highland and Island MSPs want to see investment in the NHS they should not vote against it when the Budget comes before Parliament.”