Holyrood candidate slams government inaction as adults with learning disabilities left without vital health checks
North Lanarkshire Labour councillor Ayeshah Khan, who is standing for the party in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency at the 2026 Holyrood election, called for urgent action over the Scottish Government's failure to turn promises into reality for adults with learning disabilities.
A candidate for next year's Scottish Parliament election has slammed the Scottish Government inaction as adults with learning disabilities were left without vital health checks
North Lanarkshire Labour councillor Ayeshah Khan, who is standing for the party in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency at the 2026 Holyrood election, called for urgent action over the Scottish Government's failure to turn promises into reality for adults with learning disabilities.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed that NHS Lanarkshire has received over £735,000 from the Scottish Government since 2022 to provide annual health checks to adults with learning disabilities—a policy intended to tackle severe health inequalities.
However, not a single health check has been delivered under the scheme.
In its FOI response, NHS Lanarkshire acknowledged the importance of these checks and cited workforce shortages and capacity issues as key barriers.
The response states: 'There have been no health checks carried out thus far. However, We fully recognise the importance of these health checks in addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes.
'While challenges in workforce availability have impacted delivery, NHS Lanarkshire remains committed to ensuring that eligible individuals receive their health checks.
'To support this, we are actively progressing plans to strengthen our capacity in 2025. A key part of our strategy includes a dedicated recruitment campaign aimed at increasing the number of nursing staff responsible for delivering these essential checks.
'Additionally, we are exploring innovative approaches to improve service delivery, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need as efficiently as possible.
'Our priority is to significantly increase the number of health checks offered in 2025 and we are working closely with key stakeholders to achieve this goal.
'We are confident that these measures will enable us to make substantial progress towards ensuring all eligible individuals are offered their annual health check.'
The findings were released as part of Learning Disability Week, which began on June 16.
Councillor Khan said: 'It's a moment to shine a light on the lives and contributions of people with learning disabilities across Scotland. But behind the smiles and slogans, the reality is far more troubling.
'I don't question NHS Lanarkshire's commitment; they are firefighting with what little they have been given. The Scottish Government announced this policy, handed over funding—but failed to provide the leadership, planning, or workforce support to ensure it happened.
'Scotland deserves better than this. We need a government that plans, delivers, and never forgets who it's meant to serve.'
The Scottish Government have been contacted for comment.
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