A week is a long time in medicine and politics. We are now told the NHS will scan those women with PIP breast implants who have pain.
They will be offered removal if they have leaked, but not replacement implants, all because some private providers have abandoned their female patients.
Their argument based on cost, however, seems nonsensical.
Surely the assessment of these women, and hence the expense, can be staggered over a number of years. And what about their indemnity, insurance and sense of fair play?
It strikes me as coincidence that the campaign for NHS reform, which aims to increase private provision, has gone quiet, while those opposing it, including the BMA, have chosen now to voice their concerns – and quite rightly.
This surely must be another wake-up call to those who champion private healthcare providers to replace the NHS.
And yet I worry it will end up as another example of the public purse bailing out a failure of private business.
From Dr Jan Yazici, Stockport
