Healthcare expenditure as a share of GDP in the UK 1980-2023

Healthcare spending in the United Kingdom (UK) as a share of the gross domestic product (GDP) has increased since 1990, when it was 5.1 percent. By 2023, healthcare expenditure in the UK amounted 10.9 percent of the GDP. 

Health expenditure in the UK compared to Europe

 In comparison to other European countries in 2022, the UK ranked fifth highest in terms of healthcare spending as a share of the GDP. Top of the list was Germany, which spent 12.7 percent of its GDP on healthcare in this year. This was followed by France and Austria, which spent 11.9 percent and 11.4 percent on health, respectively. 

Performance of the NHS in the UK

 Individuals in the UK still regard the NHS as a world class health service and remain happy with the high level of care provided by the organization. Although waiting times have been getting worse in the A&E department over the years. The NHS has been falling behind the target that 95 percent of patients should be seen within four hours of arrival. As a result, the primary reasons for dissatisfaction with the NHS among the public are the length of time required to get a GP or hospital appointment and the lack of staff.