The NHS isn’t perfect. — far from it.
Funding issues, staff shortages, and long waiting times can make it feel frustrating to try and get even a basic amount of medical care. However, despite the cracks, it’s still a lifeline for millions — not to mention far better than the alternative, which is privatised healthcare that becomes a privilege rather than a right. Here’s why, even in 2025, we should still be grateful for the NHS and all it does for us.
1. A medical emergency isn’t going to bankrupt you.
In a world where medical bills can literally lead to people’s houses being repossessed, or their wages garnished, the NHS remains free at the point of use. No one has to worry about paying thousands just to get basic care or emergency treatment. That’s something we often take for granted. While funding struggles make headlines, the core principle of the NHS hasn’t changed. You won’t be asked for your credit card before seeing a doctor, and no one is turned away because they can’t afford treatment. That’s a luxury many countries simply don’t have.
2. It takes care of everyone, no matter their background.
It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or how much you earn — the NHS will treat you. It’s one of the few institutions that truly serves everyone, from newborns to pensioners, regardless of status. In a society that’s becoming increasingly divided, the NHS remains a rare unifying force. Whether you’re in a city or a rural village, rich or struggling, you’re entitled to the same level of care without discrimination.
3. NHS staff go above and beyond, despite the pressure.
The people who work in the NHS aren’t just doing a job — they’re holding the system together. Nurses, doctors, paramedics, and support staff push through exhaustion, long shifts, and overwhelming workloads to help patients every day. Despite strikes, pay disputes, and chronic understaffing, they keep showing up. Whether it’s an overworked GP squeezing in an extra patient or a nurse staying after their shift to comfort someone, their dedication is what keeps the NHS running.
4. It provides world-class emergency care.
If you’re in a serious accident or facing a medical emergency, the NHS is there. No insurance forms, no upfront payments — just immediate, life-saving care when you need it most. While A&E waiting times can be frustrating, the fact remains: if your life is on the line, you’ll get the care you need. Heart attacks, strokes, serious injuries — the NHS deals with them every day, saving countless lives.
5. The NHS is leading the way in medical research.
Beyond treating patients, the NHS plays a huge role in medical research. From pioneering cancer treatments to groundbreaking vaccine developments, its research contributes to medical advancements worldwide. Even through funding struggles, the NHS remains a leader in clinical trials and public health initiatives. In 2025, it continues to push forward in areas like AI-driven diagnostics, personalised medicine, and tackling antibiotic resistance.
6. It offers mental health support, even if access needs improving.
Getting mental health support on the NHS isn’t always easy, with waiting lists still too long. But it’s there, and it’s improving, with more investment in crisis services and talking therapies. Private therapy is expensive, and for many, the NHS is the only option. While the system isn’t perfect, it’s a lifeline for those struggling with anxiety, depression, or severe mental illness who wouldn’t otherwise get help.
7. It provides vital maternity and neonatal care.
Giving birth in the UK doesn’t come with a hospital bill. The NHS provides free maternity care, from pregnancy check-ups to postnatal support, ensuring safe births for both parents and babies. Specialist neonatal care also saves premature and sick babies who wouldn’t survive without intensive treatment. It’s easy to forget that in some countries, families face crippling debt just to bring a child into the world safely.
8. The NHS is at the forefront of cancer treatment.
Despite funding pressures, cancer care in the UK remains among the best in the world. The NHS offers cutting-edge treatments, from immunotherapy to precision medicine, with no direct cost to the patient. Early detection initiatives and screening programmes mean more cancers are caught sooner, improving survival rates. While waiting times need work, the quality of care for cancer patients remains world-class.
9. It provides essential vaccinations for free.
From childhood immunisations to flu and COVID-19 boosters, the NHS provides vaccines that keep the population healthy. In many countries, parents have to pay for basic vaccinations, but here, they’re freely available to all. Even in 2025, vaccine research continues to evolve, protecting against emerging diseases. It remains a global leader in vaccination programmes, preventing outbreaks and saving lives.
10. It ensures access to life-changing medications.
Prescription costs in the UK are relatively low, and if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, they’re completely free. This means people can afford life-saving medication without choosing between their health and their bills. For conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or severe asthma, regular medication is essential. The NHS ensures that these treatments are accessible, rather than only available to those who can afford them.
11. It runs vital screening programmes for serious diseases.
Early diagnosis saves lives, and NHS screening programmes help detect conditions like cervical cancer, breast cancer, and bowel disease before they become critical. These tests are offered free, encouraging people to get checked without worrying about costs. With advances in genetic testing and AI-powered diagnostics, the service continues to refine how diseases are spotted early, improving survival rates and reducing the burden on emergency care.
12. The NHS offers vital end-of-life care.
No one likes to think about it, but the NHS provides compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, ensuring people can die with dignity and support. Hospice care, pain management, and home nursing are all part of this essential service. Families facing a loved one’s final days aren’t left struggling with huge medical bills or limited access to pain relief. The service ensures that those at the end of their lives receive the care and comfort they need.
13. The NHS has shown resilience through crisis after crisis.
From the COVID-19 pandemic to funding shortfalls, the NHS has been put under immense pressure. Yet, despite everything, it continues to function, adapt, and deliver care to millions every day. Even with political battles over its future, the NHS keeps going because of the dedication of its staff and the support of the public. It’s proof that, despite its problems, people still believe in its core values.
14. It’s one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world.
For all its challenges, the NHS remains one of the most cost-effective healthcare systems globally. The UK spends less on healthcare per capita than many other developed countries, yet still provides universal coverage. With increasing use of digital consultations, AI diagnostics, and community-based care, the service is adapting to modern needs. While reforms are needed, the efficiency of the system compared to expensive private healthcare models is undeniable.
15. It’s worth fighting for.
The NHS is far from perfect, and it needs urgent investment and reform. But for all its flaws, it’s still one of the UK’s greatest achievements, offering healthcare based on need, not wealth. People criticise the system because they care about it, and that’s a good thing. As long as the public continues to support it, demand better funding, and push for improvements, the NHS will remain something worth being grateful for.
