I have nothing against India. But this sure is a sad commentary on Britain's healthcare.
That's why the old saying goes "If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait 'til it's free!"
Partly true. It is reflective of British healthcare decline. But it is also reflective of how much stride India has made in health care.
(At this point, all India-haters can put in their bit on the "Hindu" religion, caste system, accent or out-sourcing angst).
We had fascinating experience in January when we were there. My wife had a fever on Saturday afternoon. A physician called, sent his laboratory technician over, got a blood sample, and had results on CBC, differential, and malaria parasite in two hours. All for Rupees 100 (about $2.5).
Can you get that even in the US? Being a physician myself, I know what we get here.