A woman who has chosen to reject the NHS and travel to China for medical treatment has revealed the reasons behind her decision. “I’m ill but I am flying to China next week to do my medical tests and diagnostic tests there instead of pursuing it through the NHS with my GP,” Amie began in a TikTok video. Acknowledging that her decision sounds “ridiculous”, she explained it would take at least a fortnight just to secure an appointment in the UK.
But in the Far East during that time period, Amie claims she could consult a specialist, undergo several tests including an endoscopy, receive her results, and be placed on a treatment plan. “Who knows if they would even do those tests or take me seriously?” Amie said of her GP, expressing concerns her local practitioner could simply dismiss her complaints due to her young age.
She continued: “This is not me trying to s*** on the NHS. I actually checked and I have contributed £54,000 over the last five years to National Insurance, which obviously is taken out of my pay. And to think that I actually feel that I can’t even get diagnostic tests for when I have been really unwell for a really long time… it’s just really s***.”
Amie reiterated her stance that she isn’t simply “bashing” the NHS, but went on to claim the service just “isn’t working” any more.
“So I’m going to China next week on my own – to Beijing – and I’m going to see a specialist and get all the diagnostics,” she said. “This is so weird and I’ve never done anything like it before… but it’s just infinitely easier to get stuff in China.”
WARNING – explicit language in TikTok video below
Amie concluded by explaining she will continue using the NHS going forward, but for her present condition she feels she “hasn’t been listened to for so long”. “I don’t feel like people take me seriously because I’m young… anyway, I’m getting my visa on Friday (November 21) and then flying on Tuesday,” she said.
Wriring in response, one TikTok user expressed support of Amie’s trip, sharing: “Nine years of trying with the NHS and it took two HOURS in China to finally get my endometriosis diagnosis.”
Another revealed: “I had a root canal procedure in Shanghai and it was the most pleasant dental experience I have ever had. No pain or discomfort, beautiful facility, incredible staff.”
A Chinese resident told Amie: “Not crazy at all. Very clever and efficient way to do all the medical tests in China. I am a Chinese live in the UK. If I feel not right I would buy flight ticket straight away back to China rather than to see the GP here. Hope you get well soon and good luck.”
Meanwhile, an NHS medic also contributed, stating: “I’m an NHS doctor based in Manchester, and I completed my medical degree in China. I believe many aspects of healthcare practice in China are highly advanced. I’m confident you won’t regret it.
Amie also outlined her position in a caption accompanying her video: “China is infinitely more efficient when it comes to medical care than the NHS. Pricing is reasonable even for non-Chinese people who will pay fully out of pocket. Fingers crossed I can have some answers sooner than later!”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
