Happy Birthday NHS!
“The collective principle asserts that (…) no society can legitimately call itself civilised if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means.” — Aneurin Bevan, the chief architect of the NHS
No one can deny the incredibly noble, responsible, considerate and merciful principles which underlie the formation of the British NHS. It is a jewel in our collective crown, and it costs money and resources to run, as it costs money and resources for the sick to be treated, whatsoever the circumstances. The question is – who pays? Our health service is founded upon the principle that we all bear the responsibility to pay, each according to their means. The rising sentiment amongst some wealthier sections of our society, that we should abandon this for the self-centred medical barbarism of the United States, is as stupid as Trump who sits in the American White House.
Our NHS has problems – and who does not? In solving these difficulties we cannot abandon the very sound principles upon which it was formed. We are a nation that recognises our responsibility to look after each other, and that is what the NHS stands for. Yes, at times we do not, however, we have courts and political processes that may hold us to account for this. But rue the day that a philosophy of ‘every dog for himself’ should be the foundational philosophy upon which Britain stands.
For these reasons this island has been blessed, with that late, revered, Welsh firebrand to whom we owe so much – Aneurin Bevan.
You who have iman! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for Allah alone, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives. Whether they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look after them. Do not follow your own desires and deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, Allah is aware of what you do.
— The Noble Qur’an, An-Nisa, 135
Happy Birthday NHS!