National Health Service (NHS)

The National Health Service (NHS) is the only UK health system in the country. This is the largest single-payer system in the world. (It should be noted that this term is widely used in the USA). The State Health Service provides all necessary medical services free of charge at the place of use. These include emergency treatment and treatment of infectious diseases.

According to a study by the Commonwealth Fund, the National Health Service (NHS) was recognized as the best in the category of «state free medicine». The NHS regularly takes top places in various prestigious international ratings. However, the residents admit that it is rather difficult to manage without the services of private clinics.

The foundation of modern medical care in the UK was laid after the Second World War, in the spring of 1948. At that time, the creation of the National Health Service was the most important social reform that was necessary for the provision of comprehensive medical and rehabilitation services. The new service has become free for all people living in the Kingdom and remains so to this day, with the exception of the services of a dentist. Moreover, citizens of the countries of the European Economic Union (EEA) are entitled to free NHS health care, the same rules apply for refugees. In emergency cases, tourists can also apply for free help, including from some CIS countries.

Today, the National Health Service is a huge machine that employs more than a million professionals (NHS is among the top ten largest employers in the world) and where most of the residents get help.

NHS care is reliable for serious and complex illnesses. For example, there is a special program for urgent diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation after a stroke, as well as a quick diagnosis in case of suspected cancer. An ambulance is provided within the NHS promptly and without exception. But, like any huge system, the health service is inflexible and difficult to adapt to changing conditions, and therefore sometimes fails.

In recent years, when the NHS has experienced problems with funding and a shortage of specialists, the number of patients in private medicine is growing. Some clinics are visited by more than 200 new patients every month. Nevertheless, the residents prefer to combine private and public medical services, seeking emergency care and treatment of serious and complex diseases at the NHS and visiting private clinics with less severe cases, routine examinations and routine operations. Therefore, to obtain the maximum positive effect of treatment, it is worth exploring in more detail the opportunities that both the state and private business offer.

Category: Health Care

Tags: health care system, health issues, health problems, healthcare