Ministers yesterday announced to tighten its noose on health tourism by foreigners who visit Britain for NHS treatment.

The proposed measures include compulsory health insurance for visitors, for asylum-seekers who do not co-operate with the authorities no treatment be given, denying entry to foreigners who have outstanding debts for previous NHS treatment.

According to the Department of Health if these measures are followed then £6m to £20m over five years can be saved. Emergency treatment and treatment for infectious diseases would remain free for all.

Human rights organisations however condemned the measures but British Medical Association welcomed the proposal, which has previously refused to allow the denial of treatment to patients in need.

A spokesperson said, "The BMA appreciates that the NHS does not have infinite resources and that there is a need to restrict services to patients who are eligible to receive them. However, we will seek assurances from the Department of Health that, where there is genuine clinical need, doctors will have the discretion to provide treatment, irrespective of an individual's immigration status."