March 17 6.30 to 9pm
The think tank Civitas have decided to stage a joint Socialist Health Association/Civitas debate around the market and the NHS following their latest publication, ‘Markets in health care: the theory behind the policy’
The motion will be:
‘This house believes that a market will deliver quality and efficiency in healthcare better than central planning ever could’
17th March, in the evening (6.30-9pm), inc. a drinks reception afterwards in the conference room at Civitas’ offices (address below). James Grubb and Steve Smith, CEO of Imperial are proposing the motion and Neal Lawson from Compass and myself are arguing against it.
Its an odd motion because markets lead to monopolies -(HBOS, Barclays, Kraft, Nestle, United Health, Atos Origin etc.) and central planning can allow local autonomy (your local GP).
I’d like to think that the debate might lead to some new ideas about how to improve quality and efficiency rather than be a hammer and tongs argument about markets. Perhaps I’m being naive…?
If you want to come along please contact Civitas.
CIVITAS: The Institute For The Study Of Civil Society
First Floor
55 Tufton Street
Westminster
London
SW1P 3QL
Tel: +44 (0)20 7799 6677
Fax: +44 (0)20 7799 6688
General enquiries: info@civitas.org.uk
A Better NHS 