What Are We Afraid Of? Research report by Institute of Economic Affairs. Image: IEA

The Westminster based Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has launched ‘What are we afraid of? Universal healthcare in market-orientated health systems’ today.

In the report the free market think tank’s Dr Kristian Neiemitz says that a pro-market agenda with regards to health will prove hugely beneficial.

The report argues that there are 9,000 more unnecessary deaths in the UK each year than there would be if the performance of the NHS had matched that of the German system.

Cancer survival rates are also low in the UK when compared to countries such as Germany and the Netherlands for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.

Dr Niemietz also argues that quality of care would be radically improved and there would be greater patient choice and efficiency gains as well as universal coverage.

The report also claims that politicians should embrace a mix of private and public provision to ensure the highest standard of care.

The report is released just before Easter weekend, when GP practices have been asked to open on Saturday.