The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on government proposals to eliminate modern slavery
from the NHS supply chain.
This initiative follows a recent government review which revealed that over 21 per cent of NHS suppliers are at high risk of involving modern slavery in the
procurement of medical equipment, particularly surgical instruments, gloves, gowns, uniforms, and face masks.
The proposed measures would require public bodies procuring goods and services for the NHS to work with suppliers to identify risks and put forward solutions.
These new regulations would apply to all public bodies procuring health goods and services, including NHS trusts, integrated care boards, and local authorities.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “The NHS is a public service built on compassion and equality, values which are completely antithetical to the heinous evil
of modern slavery.”
“These new measures will ensure vital checks are made and public bodies act to stamp out the crimes of slavery and human trafficking.”
He also stated that his government will ensure the NHS leads the fight against modern slavery.