Independence: what you need to know

Health

The Scottish Government wants to keep the NHS as a publicly owned, publicly funded health service that provides free care when you need it in an independent Scotland. 

Scotland is the only place in the UK where prescriptions, eye tests and dental check-ups are universally free.  

Protecting the NHS 

Scotland’s NHS, and the people of Scotland’s health and wellbeing, are impacted by UK Government decisions on budgets, immigration, social security, the economy, the EU and more.  

Independence would mean decisions future UK Governments might make about the NHS would not affect Scotland. 

With independence, Scotland’s NHS would be strengthened and protected - the NHS would be part of Scotland’s interim constitution, guaranteeing the right to access a system of free healthcare when you need it.  

Health and social care staffing 

With independence, Scotland would have the power to set its own migration policy, focused on bolstering our NHS and social care workforce. We could also ensure that any visa route meets the staffing needs of our rural and island communities. 

Joining the EU as an independent member would bring extra benefits to Scotland’s health and social care system, including helping with any staff shortages in Scotland’s health and social care workforce. 

Addressing health challenges  

This Scottish Government believes Scotland's long-term health challenges need coordinated policy responses including currently reserved areas like drugs policy. 

Powers over alcohol labelling and drugs policy would let future Scottish Governments treat addiction as a health issue. 

Find out more:

• A Fresh Start with Independence

• Building a New Scotland: Justice in an independent Scotland