Patients who stop smoking or lose weight will be ushered to the front of the queue for public services under Conservative proposals to improve public health.

David Cameron is considering whether to accept the idea of an “NHS health miles card” to encourage people to take more responsibility for their own wellbeing.

In addition to being given priority for treatment, those prepared to improve their lifestyle could be given discounted gym membership and even cheaper vegetables. The proposal is part of a report by the Public Services Improvement Policy Group, titled The NHS — Delivering our Commitment, which was published yesterday.

Mr Cameron also plans to drop all central NHS targets. He is to assess how much of the report to adopt as party policy.

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