In England, there are four operating national health systems. The NHS is separated from the other three. It is the publicly funded health care system. The other three systems have their own developed governments. They are responsible to them. In a variation of management and practice, are developed under differing legislation resulting. The four services don’t discriminate citizens from each other, and work in co-operation, helping one another. Most of the English health care is provided by the NHS Services.

They include primary care, health care for a long term, in-patient care, dentistry ( here is something specific- this health care, is done by private practicing dentists, who have sub-contracted relationships with the NHS), and ophthalmology.

On 5 July 1948, the establishment of the NHS became a fact. Then into effect came the so called “National Health Service Act 1946”.

Only a small percentage of the English population uses the private health care. Despite the fact, that it is paid for largely by private insurance, it has continued to be parallel to the NHS. It is used in general, as a top-up to the services of the NHS.

The patient is the most important for the NHS. The most of the services are provided freely. If there is needed an in-hospital treatment for the patient, as also associated medication, he doesn’t have to pay any further charge. However, there are medicines, like everywhere in the world, which can be prescribed only if a prescription fee is shown and, provided.

The NHS running costs were about £104 billion, during the period of 2007-2008. They are met directly, just from the general taxation.

Headed by the so called “Secretary of State for Health”, the Department of Health is appointed to be the UK government department, taking the responsibility for the NHS. After the Army of China, and the railways of India, the NHS is the third largest employer in the world. It is the largest in the world, as a health service.