MORE than 18,000 people died in Scotland last year while on NHS waiting lists, MSPs were told today.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar revealed the horrifying figures days after it emerged record numbers were hanging on for appointment.

He told Holyrood the equivalent death toll in 2017 was 7,868.

And he warned that if the trend continues, the toll this year could rise from 18,390 last year to over 20,000.

Mr Sarwar added: “These aren’t just numbers, these are people waiting in pain — many dying far too early, leaving behind heartbroken families.”

Humza Yousaf said it would take time for the health service to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

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