LONDON: The recent move of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dismantle National Health System (NHS) England, and bring it under direct government control is likely to boost delivery of medical services, and benefit employees.

Starmer aims to reduce administrative costs and reintegrate its management under direct government control. The move, is expected to restore 'democratic control' and seeks to prioritize patient care over bureaucracy, redirect funds to healthcare workers, and cut hospital waiting times.

NHS England, established in 2013 under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 during Andrew Lansley’s tenure as Health Secretary, operates independently with 13,000 staff. It oversees care standards, finances, and healthcare priorities while collaborating with the government on funding allocation.

It undertakes statutory functions, and has regulatory powers, to support and oversee the wider ambition aimed to deliver effective and high quality care to citizens.

Starmer advocates placing NHS at the 'heart of government' during a visit to East Yorkshire while Health Secretary Wes Streeting blamed NHS for increased wait times, lower patient satisfaction, and rising costs.

The restructuring intends to streamline governance, addressing critiques of past reforms by enhancing accountability and efficiency within the NHS.

The move, according to experts, may free up more funds for healthcare workers, particularly nurses and support staff, and lead to a drastic reduction in waiting times across hospitals.