The Scottish Labour leader and former health service dentist, has vowed to make cutting waiting times and clearing backlogs a day-one priority if he is elected as First Minister in May.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar(Image: Getty Images)
Anas Sarwar has accused the SNP of “blowing a hole” in the founding principles of the NHS and vowed to rebuild services if he becomes First Minister. The Scottish Labour leader and former health service dentist, has vowed to make cutting waiting times and clearing backlogs a day-one priority if he is elected as First Minister in May.
Sarwar spoke out as voters look ahead to the Scottish Parliament election in May this year. Figures published in November 2025 show there are nearly 850,000 ongoing waits for tests, treatments and appointments in NHS Scotland.
Scotland also has the worst drug deaths in Europe, while a record number of Scots are turning to private healthcare for treatment. Sarwar insisted he is committed to ensuring the NHS is free and available at the point of need after it emerged that thousands of people are going private because of waiting lists.
He said “2025 was yet another dismal year for the NHS under the SNP. Patients are still having to endure agonising waits in A&E departments, hardworking staff are stretched to breaking point, and a record number of people are using their savings to get private healthcare.
“After 18 years in power, nowhere is the SNP’s failure clearer than in the state of our NHS. I now truly fear that our health service will not survive a third decade under the SNP.
“As a former dentist, fixing our health service is personal to me. I am committed to upholding the founding principles of our NHS – that it is free and available at the point of need for all who need it.
Anas Sarwar, Leader of Scottish Labour delivers his speech as part of a one-day event the Labour Party is holding on policy making ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election(Image: Getty)
“Sadly, the SNP has blown a hole in those founding principles after years of mismanagement, with ministers refusing to accept any blame for the mess they have caused.
“I care deeply about the people of Scotland and the wellbeing of our nation. That is why I will make fixing our NHS a top priority for a Scottish Labour government, if we are given the opportunity to serve in five months’ time.
“So, if you value our NHS and believe that you and your family deserve the best care available, you have the choice to turn the page on SNP failure in May and choose a new direction with Scottish Labour.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Our health service has challenges, but it’s fundamentally strong.”