Leading NHS consultant cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra says Burnham is the major politician who best understands how to save the NHS, rebuild trust in healthcare and tackle Britain’s chronic disease crisis
Ahead of today’s Makerfield by-election, an exclusive interview is available with NHS consultant cardiologist and bestselling author Dr Aseem Malhotra, who has backed Andy Burnham as the political figure best placed to reform the NHS and address Britain’s growing chronic disease crisis.
Dr Malhotra, fresh from giving evidence before the United States Senate on chronic disease, medical transparency and public trust in healthcare, says Burnham has shown “the leadership, courage and understanding” needed at a defining moment for the health service.
In the interview, Dr Malhotra reflects on almost 20 years of knowing Burnham personally and professionally, beginning through his late father, Dr Kailash Chand OBE, a former GP, Honorary Vice President of the British Medical Association and long-standing NHS campaigner.
Dr Malhotra says Burnham’s record on opposing NHS privatisation, arguing for prevention over treatment, and speaking up for patients marks him out from other senior political figures.
He said: “Andy Burnham is the only major politician I believe truly understands what is needed to save the NHS. He understands that we cannot treat our way out of a chronic disease crisis. We need prevention, transparency, trust and a health system that puts patients before profit.”
Dr Malhotra also suggo the need for an open national conversation about healthcare harms, medical accountability and the treatment of people who say they have been injured by COVID vaccines.
He added: “Public trust in healthcare has been badly damaged. The next Prime Minister must be prepared to face difficult questions, listen to patients and confront the drivers of chronic disease. I believe Andy Burnham has the experience and instincts to do that.”
