NHS plans to save 500 mn pounds per year by charging foreign nationals for services

Measures proposed include a 200-pound annual levy on migrants from outside Europe for up to five years

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ANI London
Last Updated : Oct 22 2013 | 2:27 PM IST

UK's National Health Service (NHS) is planning to save 500 million pounds-a-year by charging foreign nationals to use its services, according to a new report.

The savings would be possible, if the government plans a crackdown on tourists, who travel to London for free treatment, the BBC reports.

According to the Department of Health (DH), this figure represents a quarter of the annual two billion pounds cost of treating temporary migrants and foreign visitors.

The UK government is currently consulting on a package of measures, including a 200 pounds annual levy on migrants from outside Europe for up to five years.

A new cost recovery unit will also be set up to recoup money owed by other governments for treating foreign nationals visiting the UK.

According to the report, presently just 73 million pounds-a-year is being recouped out of more than 460 million pounds.

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First Published: Oct 22 2013 | 2:14 PM IST

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