An urgent investigation has been launched into the Scottish National Party (SNP) ministers after alarming reports revealed that thousands of Scots are being forced to turn to private healthcare due to extensive delays in NHS eye surgeries.
The growing crisis has sparked outrage among patients and opposition parties, who accuse the SNP-led government of failing to address the mounting backlog in essential medical procedures.
Patients Left in the Dark
Many patients requiring critical eye operations, including cataract surgeries, are facing waits of up to a year or more, leaving them with deteriorating vision and no choice but to pay for private treatment.
One patient, Margaret Thomson, 68, shared her ordeal: "I was told I’d have to wait over 12 months for my cataract surgery. I couldn’t afford to go private, but my sight was getting worse every day. It’s a disgrace."
Political Backlash
Opposition leaders have slammed the SNP for what they describe as a systemic failure in Scotland’s healthcare system. Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr. Sandesh Gulhane stated, "This is yet another example of the SNP’s mismanagement of our NHS. Patients shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for treatments that should be available to them free of charge."
The Scottish Labour Party has also called for immediate action, demanding transparency and accountability from Health Secretary Humza Yousaf.
Government Response
In response to the backlash, the Scottish Government acknowledged the delays but attributed them to pandemic-related backlogs and staffing shortages. A spokesperson said, "We are committed to reducing waiting times and have invested an additional £1 billion in NHS recovery."
However, critics argue that the measures are insufficient, with many calling for a full parliamentary inquiry into the handling of the crisis.
What’s Next?
As pressure mounts, campaigners are urging the government to prioritise eye care services and provide immediate relief to affected patients. The investigation into the delays is expected to shed light on systemic issues within NHS Scotland and could lead to significant policy changes.
For now, thousands of Scots remain in limbo, caught between soaring private healthcare costs and an overstretched NHS.
