The provision of a universal system of health care free at the point of consumption is made possible because the NHS provides income protection for patients. Regardless of their ability to pay we treat patients ideally on the basis of need, defined as the comparative cost effectiveness of treatments competing for funding. In countries where income protection does not exist (for example, The US and China) access to health care is based on the size of your wallet. If you adhere to a universalist ideology, which I do, income protection when ill is a primary objective of a healthcare system and this is epitomised by NHS and EU social insurance systems. Without this income protection, funded by taxes and payroll contributions, we would be unable to provide health care for all citizens.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2012