It has been a great achievement of National Health Service for the people of United Kingdom. The National Health Service turned 70 on 5 July 2018. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions, to appreciate the vital role the service plays in our lives, and to recognise and thank the extraordinary NHS staff – the everyday heroes – who are there to guide, support and care for us, day in, day out.
Here's a list of just a few things that have been achieved in public health in recent decades:
- Increases in life expectancy since 1981, life expectancy for men in England has increased from 70.9 years to 79.4 years and life expectancy for women has increased from 76.9 years to 83.3 years
- Reported use of drugs, smoking and alcohol in 11-15 year-olds has roughly halved between 2003 and 2013
- Reduction in numbers of people smoking eg the ban on smoking in public places is estimated to save the NHS over £380 million a year
- Putting fluoride into drinking water eg the fluoridation of drinking water has resulted in reduced tooth decay and tooth loss
- Safer working conditions eg wearing of protective equipment and development of policies and methods has promoted safer working practices and reduced workplace accidents
- Fewer infectious diseases eg typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis (TB) increased access to family planning services, so reducing unwanted pregnancies and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases
To be proud of the NHS is "not to be blind to its imperfections", chief executive Simon Stevens said as he addressed a special service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate its 70 years.
The NHS has won an admiring audience the world over, and its endurance over 70 years of reform and challenge should be celebrated.
Baldev Sharma
Rayners Lane, Harrow
