Overview

• Neil Gray, Scotland's sixth health secretary in 10 years, pledges to drive down waiting times and improve NHS productivity.
• Gray's appointment follows Michael Matheson's resignation over a controversial £11k data roaming bill.
• The new health secretary emphasizes the importance of maintaining a free NHS at the point of need, despite funding challenges.
• Critics argue that Scotland's NHS is facing a crisis, with increasing waiting times and fewer patients treated than pre-pandemic.
• Gray commits to long-term plans to bolster NHS Scotland, amidst calls for immediate action to address the health service's dire needs.