THE Scottish National Party claims today that only independence will protect the National Health Service’s future — but socialists dismissed the claim.

The SNP cite recent reports by the King’s Fund arguing that the British health service has fallen behind the other advanced economies due to 13 years of Tory austerity, and the Nuffield Trust which claims that there are 4,000 fewer doctors in the UK as a result of Brexit.

Scotland’s NHS has been fully devolved since 1999 but former NHS breast cancer surgeon and SNP MP Dr Philippa Whitford argues only independence can save it.

“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of NHS Scotland, it’s essential that we face up to the damage of catastrophic Westminster policies — and the risk that remaining under Westminster control could prevent our NHS surviving another 75 years.

“Brexit and the loss of freedom of movement have compounded the problems, with workforce shortages now the number one issue undermining all four healthcare systems [for Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland].”

“Independence is key to protecting and strengthening NHS Scotland for the next 75 years, and investing in the health and wellbeing of our people — it is only with full powers [that] we can build a fairer, healthier country in the future.”

But Radical Options for Scotland and Europe spokesman Vince Mills retorted: “This is extraordinary from the SNP given their own poor record on health.

“The idea of the EU defending Scotland from ‘privatisation’ is laughable, partly because their own plans for a national care service will include the private sector and partly because of how healthcare is organised in Europe where most countries have competing healthcare insurance companies. 

“What Scotland needs is a properly planned, fully funded health and care service, not another excuse, in the shape of Brexit, for Scottish government inadequacies.”

Former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard added: “The NHS is the most enduring example of democratic socialism in action.

“A service free at the point of need paid for out of general taxation is a model which should be extended to other public services like care.

“The SNP can’t have it both ways. They want a separate Scottish currency. To set up a new currency would cost at least £100 billion. I’d rather spend that money on health, education and tackling climate change.”