Today, many think Britain's National Health ServiceThe publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. The NHS was founded in 1948. is in crisis. Only 24% of people say they are happy with the NHS services. Some think a major reformMaking big changes to how a system works. is needed.

The NHS was created in 1948. The basic idea is that health care should be "free at the point of use" for everyone. This means that if you go and see a doctor, they will not make you pay.

However, people who work pay for the NHS through their taxesThere are three main ways for governments to obtain money: print it, borrow it or collect taxes..

Today, the problem is money. The NHS is paid for by the taxes of working people. But most of the healthcare it gives out is to retiredSomeone who has stopped working due to old age. people, who do not work and do not pay taxes.

Britain's population is getting older. Younger people are having to pay for the care of more and more older people. The money is running out.

Is free healthcare impossible?

Yes! Young British taxpayers cannot afford to pay for the healthcare of more and more older people. It was a good idea, but the NHS cannot exist as it does now forever.

No! We get the service we pay for. British people need to accept that to keep the NHS running, they will need to pay more taxes.

National Health Service - The publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. The NHS was founded in 1948.

Reform - Making big changes to how a system works.

Taxes - There are three main ways for governments to obtain money: print it, borrow it or collect taxes.

Retired - Someone who has stopped working due to old age.