SCANDAL OF SCOTS PAYING FOR CHEMO

First Minister denies 'founding principle' of NHS is now in jeopardy under the SNP

- CHRIS MCCALL

HUMZA Yousaf came under fire yesterday after it emerged that more than 1700 chemotherapy treatments were paid for privately last year.

The First Minister faced accusations from Labour that "a founding principle" of the health service is at risk if normal people are being forced to pay for critical treatment.

The 1745 chemotherapy treatments were among 42,890 private episodes time patients spent under the care of a private consultant recorded over the last year, up eight per cent on the previous year.

The Private Health Information Network figures also showed 7805 cataract surgeries, 4739 hip and knee replacements and 2055 endoscopies paid for here.