Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the (Picture: Number 10)

The NHS will have 13.4 billion pounds’ worth of debt written off amid the coronavirus pandemic to strengthen the system.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday evening: ‘Today, to help NHS trusts to deliver what’s needed without worrying about past finances, I can announce that I am writing off £13.4 billion of historic NHS debt.

‘This landmark step will not only put the NHS in a strong position to be able to respond to this global coronavirus pandemic, but it will ensure that our NHS has stronger foundations for our future too’.

Mr Hancock also announced that £300 million will be made available to fund community pharmacies.

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He said: ‘These are unprecedented times for our healthcare system and I want to make sure every part of it is supported.



‘I’ve therefore made £300 million available for funding for community pharmacies, who do so much to get vital medicines to people and play such an important part in their communities. They themselves are the NHS front line’.

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