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Healthy living and free health care for all based on clinical need and not on the ability to pay. In 1948, these ideological sentiments were behind the official founding of the NHS. They have remained its spiritual backbone, defended by politicians through rhetoric, if not through actions. But attitudes have changed. Private health care is readily available, more clients willing to pay for quick treatment. Health has become a service industry. But does the ideology itself need to adapt to a consumer society? Or should we fight tooth and nail to preserve and uphold it?
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