The NHS celebrates their 70th anniversary: this is why it matters
The notion of a health service which is free at the point of use may seem like a perfectly rational idea now, and indeed it is something that many of us take for granted, but back then it was hugely controversial.
We have this notion in the UK that everyone should be entitled to good quality healthcare irrespective of their financial situation. No matter who you are or what your social status, you should not be forced to gamble with your life when deciding whether or not you need to see your doctor. People living below the poverty line should be allowed medication just like those who can readily afford it.
Not only do we hold these beliefs, but we gladly put our money where our mouth is and make it so. Private healthcare is also available for those who can afford it and wish to make that choice.
We are proud of the 70th birthday of the NHS.
We are proud because in Britain we don’t have to be scared of the cost of getting sick. Because it provides free, accessible healthcare to those who need it regardless of their ability to pay, or their social class or their lifestyle.
The NHS offers a service from the cradle to the grave. The best thing about the health care in UK though, is that if you don’t like the NHS you can still choose to go private. London is full of private hospitals and private GP. You can get health insurance just like in the US.
The difference, though, is that it’s your choice. You don’t have to. If you can’t afford it, the free NHS is still there, available for you. It may not be perfect, but you won’t be denied health care.
The NHS still needs to be questioned, challenged and supported by its users, if it is to survive and thrive. Yes, there are still wasteful practices and sometimes diabolical management. Clinically we are very proud of what can be done, the management and administration still needs attention. Benchmarking and looking at what other services do is essential good practice.
But the reality is that virtually everyone in the UK owes their lives to the NHS. Yes it costs us some tax, but having a state founded health service makes treatment a third of what it costs in a private system such as that present in the USA. The poor can be treated just as easily as the rich, although the rich pay for the NHS through their taxes, the cost is probably less than private medical insurance due to NHS bills being a third of equivalent American bills.
So, whilst I can’t speak for all British people, I know that I can speak for myself and many others when I say the founding principle of the NHS is doing right by your fellow citizens; and that is exactly the reason that we should be so proud of it.
Of course it is annoying when you see habitual drug users and alcoholics who do not pay into the system getting much more out of it than you ever need yourself-but it is a small price to pay for what you actually do get — the peace of mind that a serious or debilitating condition only requires you to worry about the particular type of treatment you get, and not the cost.
Happy Birthday NHS.
