Patient choice may be restricted under plans mooted by Conservative leader David Cameron to squeeze the NHS budget if his party wins the next general election.
He has raised the possibility of reducing budgets for operations and treatments, which are based on the average cost around the country.
GPs and health trusts would be encouraged to negotiate prices downwards, he said, adding that “a businessman would probably tell you that it is when the business is facing difficulties that it is at its most inventive”.
Although Mr Cameron promised real increases in the health budget, he said the costs of treating Britain’s rapidly ageing population mean savings will have to be found.
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