• THE purpose of private health care is to profit from the suffering of others. Its development and promotion can only result in a denial of health care to those who cannot afford it. In essence it is barbaric and has no place in civilised society.

Waitrose likes to present itself as the morally superior, socially conscious corporation; it has won awards in this respect and even gives discounts to NHS staff.

It is almost unthinkable that they would support private health care and that they should promote it on the very day of the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

This would be an insult to all those involved in the NHS, as well as to the British people, who see it as one of this country’s greatest achievements.

But, promote private health care is exactly what Waitrose did in their King’s Cross branch with a health-check on offer to customers in conjunction with Bupa.

Consequently, they should either discontinue such practice and distance themselves from such businesses or admit they accept the idea of enrichment from the infirmity and disabilities of the people.

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