NOW PAY £20 TO SEE YOUR GP 

The “rationing” proposals, by an ­influential think-tank, are a dramatic attack on the core principle of the NHS.

Only the poorest in ­society should be entitled to free ­appointments, says the report.

And better-off pensioners should also pay prescription ­charges. At present the £7.20 fee is automatically waived for ­anyone over the age of 60.

The far-reaching proposals are necessary to save Britain’s ailing health service – once the envy of the world – claims the panel of financial experts and several MPs.

They claim it simply cannot withstand the double whammy of the economic downturn, ­soaring demand and more than a decade of financial ­mishandling under Labour.

“If we don’t introduce rationing like this, there will be ­rationing by stealth through waiting lists, crumbling ­hospitals and poor quality ­services,” warned co-author David Furness, of the Social Market Foundation.

He added: “It would get ­people thinking twice about whether the visit was essential.”

It is estimated the proposals could slash the number of appointments booked by at least five per cent.

But health campaigners branded the plans a “con-trick”. “It is bad enough trying to get an appointment to see a GP. To pay for the privilege of waiting while you are ill is ridiculous,” stormed Roger Goss, co-director of Patient Concern.

“It is outrageous. Patients will say it is a con trick. The core principle of the NHS is that everybody pays their taxes to fund it and then it is free at the point of delivery according to need.