Nigel Farage attacks NHS treatment for foreign people with HIV
Nigel Farage has lashed out at NHS treatment for foreign HIV patients – branding them “health tourists”.
The UK Independence Party leader made the claims in ITV’s leadership debate this evening.
He said: “Here’s a fact, and I’m sure other people will be mortified that I dare to talk about it.
“There are 7000 diagnoses in this country every year for people who are HIV positive, but 60 percent of them are not for British nationals.
“You can come into Britain, from anywhere in the world, and get diagnosed with HIV, and get the anti-retroviral drugs which cost up to £25,000 per year per patient.
“I know there are horrible things happening in many parts of the world, but we need to put the system there for British families who have paid into it for decades.”
Leanne Wood, leader of Plaid Cymru, condemned his comments, saying: “It’s dangerous, it divides communities and it creates stigma to people who are ill. I think you ought to be ashamed of yourself.”
Ed Miliband Tweeted: “I want to say, Nigel Farage’s comment about the NHS and HIV was disgusting. He should be ashamed. The fact he isn’t says so much.”
It is not the first time the UKIP leader has made controversial comments about HIV, claiming previously that people with HIV should not be allowed to come to the UK.
When asked which kinds of people should be allowed to enter the UK in October, he said: “People who do not have HIV, to be frank. That’s a good start.”
