How did the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948 change healthcare in Britain?

The introduction of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948 marked a significant transformation in the healthcare system in Britain by delivering universal free healthcare at the point of use. This meant that all citizens, regardless of their financial status, could access medical services without having to pay at the time of receiving treatment. The establishment of the NHS aimed to ensure that healthcare was a right for everyone and was funded through taxation, promoting equality in health access.

This shift eliminated previous barriers that often left the poor without adequate medical support, thus fostering improved public health outcomes. The NHS provided necessary medical care, surgeries, preventive services, and essential treatments without direct costs to the patient, addressing the critical need for accessible healthcare following the struggles of the Second World War and the interwar period.

The other options do not accurately represent the principles or outcomes of the NHS's establishment. The focus of the NHS was on providing comprehensive care for all, rather than catering to wealthier individuals or increasing patient costs. The system fundamentally transformed healthcare into a publicly funded service, showcasing a major step towards equity in health access in post-war Britain.