morolf: NHS is a shit system, must be one of the worst health care systems in the developed world, doesn't look good at all for cancer survival rates (and much else) when compared to other health care systems.
It also wasn't created that early (Germany had a general health insurance system already back in the 1880s under Bismarck).
It's beyond pathetic that Brits derive patriotic pride from their horrible NHS and believe it's the envy of the rest of the world...the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in 2012 was an especially grotesque example of this. Just a very insular and ignorant perception. The reputation of the NHS in most of the developed world isn't good at all.
It's ok, let it all out. I knew this would inevitably attract some nastiness and I accepted that before posting.
EDIT: I feel like you've misinterpreted my intention. Nowhere did I say the NHS is the best, nor have I ever held that belief. What I'm saluting is the idea of having one and the people who made it happen.
It's no secret the NHS is struggling, successive governments have stripped its resources in an attempt to privatise it. So yes, it is shit. That doesn't mean it's not worth fighting for.
p.s. The Sickness Insurance Law was in no way a national healthcare system, it developed into one.
p.p.s. Freedom of speech != being a dick.