London - On July 5, 2023, the National Health Service (NHS), which represents the core of healthcare in Britain, celebrated its 75th anniversary. The South Indian community from Kerala, including nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, took great pride in participating in this historic event alongside colleagues from various parts of the world. A significant number of individuals from Kerala who migrated to the UK are employed by the NHS, which stands as the largest employer in Europe. Within the international context, a considerable proportion of nurses working for the NHS come from the South Indian Kerala population. In this article, we delve into the illustrious history and notable achievements of the NHS in Great Britain, particularly highlighting its contributions to the South Indian Kerala community.

How effective is the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK?

The NHS is a fundamental pillar of the British society, catering to the healthcare needs of over a million people on a daily basis. Since its inception in 1948, the NHS has been globally recognized as the first healthcare system to provide universal access to medical services. Its guiding principle of "Free at the point of delivery" ensures that all UK residents can receive healthcare without any charges. The expenses of running the NHS are primarily funded through National Insurance Tax, which is levied on income. Contributions towards National Insurance are made by employees, employers, and self-employed individuals. Consequently, there are no fees associated with doctor visits or hospital care. However, certain services, such as prescription medications, incur nominal charges. Patients are required to pay a fixed fee for each item prescribed by a general practitioner (GP), regardless of the actual cost of the medication. For instance, a prescription costing £60 would be charged the same fee as one costing £0.60. Presently, a single prescription costs £9.65. Nevertheless, some individuals are eligible for free prescriptions based on factors like residence, health condition, or age. For individuals requiring multiple prescription medications monthly, the option of purchasing an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) is available. A PPC costs £31.25 for three months or £111.60 for twelve months. It is important to note that prescription charges only apply in England, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have exempted their residents from such fees.

What sets the NHS apart as a public healthcare organization?

Since its establishment, the NHS has continually evolved and adapted to meet the changing needs of successive generations. It has achieved numerous medical milestones, ranging from the first kidney transplant in Britain in 1960 to the pioneering liver transplant in Europe in 1968. Groundbreaking advancements, such as the introduction of CT scans in 1971, revolutionized medical imaging, while the birth of the world's first test-tube baby in 1978 signaled a significant breakthrough in reproductive medicine. The NHS has played a vital role in safeguarding children against diseases like whooping cough, measles, and tuberculosis through large-scale vaccination campaigns. In 1999, the NHS achieved another milestone by becoming the first country to make the meningitis C vaccine universally available. Additionally, the NHS has been responsible for groundbreaking medical interventions, including the world's first liver, heart, and lung transplants in 1987. It has also spearheaded the development of innovative treatments, such as bionic eyes and, more recently, the world's first rapid whole genome sequencing service for critically ill infants and children.

In recent years, the NHS has made significant strides in medical progress. For instance, it pioneered the world's first rapid whole genome sequencing service for seriously ill babies and children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS not only facilitated the administration of the world's first approved COVID-19 vaccine but also executed a vaccination plan with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The NHS has emerged asa global leader in adopting new medications, as evident from the availability of five treatments in England for every four in Europe, along with a substantially higher number of cancer drugs. This advantageous position is made possible by the NHS's collective bargaining power, allowing for cost-effective procurement that benefits both patients and taxpayers.

The NHS has embraced technological advancements, leveraging robotics systems to expedite prostate cancer treatment and enable patients to return home within 24 hours of surgery. Moreover, the introduction of the 100th cancer drug through the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund exemplifies its commitment to swift and efficient patient care. These achievements are a testament to the skill, knowledge, and dedication of the NHS staff, volunteers, and partners in the field of social care. From midwives assisting in the miracle of birth to GPs and pharmacists serving as the primary point of contact during times of illness, as well as the nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals providing essential care, and the numerous individuals working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of hospitals, the NHS owes its success to this vast network of committed individuals.

Why is there a strong inclination among South Asians to work for the NHS?

A significant number of South Asians, particularly those hailing from Kerala, have found employment within the NHS after migrating to the UK. The opportunity for Keralites to work in the NHS arose with the relaxation of regulations in the mid-1990s, allowing foreign nurses to join the workforce. Subsequently, the early 2000s witnessed an influx of individuals entering the NHS. For Keralites, the NHS became the primary avenue for economic prosperity in the UK. They exhibited a higher level of trust in the British healthcare system compared to other healthcare fields due to the NHS's assurance of job security, social security, and financial stability. These attractions enticed healthcare professionals from the Gulf region, who were earning higher incomes, to relocate to the UK and work for the NHS. Moreover, the NHS offers a comprehensive employment package to its workforce in the UK, including a standard 37.5-hour workweek, a minimum of 27 days of paid annual leave, eight bank holidays, career advancement opportunities, paid sick leave, and various other competitive and supportive benefits.

Throughout its history, the NHS has embraced a global workforce, drawing talent from over 200 different countries. This inclusivity has fostered a diverse and multicultural environment within the organization. As the NHS reaches its 75th milestone, it continues to implement proactive and preventive measures to ensure the delivery of exceptional inpatient and outpatient services. The NHS has established itself as a beacon of healthcare excellence on the global stage.

The NHS Constitution upholds six core values: Working together for patients, Respect and dignity, Commitment to quality of care, Compassion, Improving lives, and Everyone counts. The NHS strives to embody these values, ensuring an all-encompassing and accessible healthcare service for all individuals. Access to NHS services is based on medical needs rather than financial capacity. The NHS remains committed to the highest standards of professionalism and excellence, placing patient-centric care at the forefront of its endeavors. It serves multiple demographics and remains accountable to the public, the communities it serves, and the individuals it supports.