National Insurance - Fit for purpose??

[dogmama1]

So whilst I understand somewhat the importance of national insurance contributions. With everything the way it is at the moment, it has made me question if it's fit for purpose.

A quick google sums up what national insurance is for:
"National Insurance is different from income tax, even though it works in a similar way in that you make a payment to it.
The money paid for this type of insurance goes into a government fund that is used to pay for a number of things including state benefits such as the state pension, statutory sick pay and maternity leave.
To qualify for benefits such as the state pension, you need to have paid National Insurance contributions for a set period. If you haven’t done this, it is possible to make voluntary payments."

But, wouldn't it work better for everyone to be able to save themselves for a pension of which the government don't tax you for. Statutory sick pay is a measly £102 pw, which after many many years of contributions isn't even a 1/4 of my weekly earnings, and maternity leave pay is also a pittance when you consider you are also then providing for an extra mouth to feed. I'm aware it also pays into the national health service, but, one in which you can never get an appointment for.... we still pay for prescription's (only country in England to do so), if optional I'd rather spend my money paying for private health insurance at around £50pm. I pay over £100pm national insurance + £300 plus tax. Sick of working to get given back sweet F All from our government.

Sorry for rant. Feel completely deflated by our economy currently!

Do you realise the price you pay for the prescriptions doesn’t cover the actual cost of the medication? Do you think if you saved, instead of paying NI contributions, that you could ever save enough to pay for cancer treatment, the cost of giving birth, the prescription costs for children illness or their broken leg? What if you become disabled and need to apply for PIP? What if you become infirm when older and need attendance allowance?

Just think of it as insurance in case you end up needing these things, rather than thinking you are paying for sweet F A.

Do you think people who are currently struggling to be able to afford to buy food or heat their homes would be able to save themselves for a pension or for their own maternity pay or sick pay? It might be a measly amount to you but it is all some people get to survive on!

@ MyLifeIsFullOfLemons The NHS is not actually fully funded by NI the NHS is funded though general taxation NI is only about 20% of the total spend, also although some benefits are paid through NICs disability benefits like DLA/PIP/AA are also funded through general taxation not NI