Role of private sector in United Kingdom healthcare system Commentary: Cooperation should be based on what the public wants and needs from its healthcare system

Since 1948 the private sector has viewed itself as complementary to the NHS. Before the NHS was set up in 1948 health care was provided by charities and voluntary hospitals, private medical clubs, occupational medical services and works clubs, fee for service insurance, friendly societies, public medical services (which were funded by subscription), and medical fees paid on an ad hoc basis. The structured health insurance sector initially developed between 1940 and 1947 with the instigation of the London based Hospital Services Plan (now PPP Healthcare) and the amalgamation of several regional schemes into British United Provident Association (BUPA).