HOLYROOD hopefuls must ditch short-termism and “deliver serious long-term and radical reform” to save Scotland’s NHS, medics have warned.

The blunt message came as BMA Scotland launched its Holyrood manifesto, challenging the next Scottish government to deliver a long-term workforce plan, a route map shifting the balance of care toward the home, and better support for GPs.

Calling 2026 a “watershed” year for the service, BMA Scotland chair Dr Iain Kennedy said: “Without action, the founding principle of the NHS, that it should be free at the point of use, is at risk.

“The NHS must not just be seen as a way to win the votes of the public in the short-term.

“What is needed is for politicians to put political difference aside and urgently agree and deliver serious long-term and radical reform that finally makes our NHS sustainable.

“The decisions needed simply cannot be put off or ignored any longer if the NHS is to be saved.”

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: “These stark warnings show our NHS is fighting for survival after 20 years of SNP government.

“With the very future of our NHS at risk the stakes in this election could not be higher. John Swinney and the SNP created this mess and they have no idea how to fix it.”

SNP candidate for Rutherglen and Cambuslang, Clare Haughey, said: “The SNP is focused on improving Scotland’s NHS — waiting times are down for nine months in a row, operation numbers up, and we are opening GP walk-in clinics all over the country.

“There is of course still much work to be done but the SNP is the only party with a plan for our NHS and it is working.”