00:00England's state-run National Health Service is having a milestone birthday.
00:04The Prince and Princess of Wales have helped the NHS celebrate by singing Happy Birthday and icing cupcakes at a
00:11tea party in London.
00:13It has been 75 years since the NHS was launched by Health Secretary Anurin Bevan.
00:19Leading Britain's Conversation reports, on July 5th of 1948, the British public became entitled to a free comprehensive health care
00:28funded by general taxation. According to the BBC, the landmark anniversary has been met with dire warnings
00:35that the NHS may not live to see 100 years unless drastic changes are made.
00:41The initial focus for the organisation was to provide bouts of treatment for injury and infection,
00:46but in today's society, the challenge is completely different.
00:50The ageing population is bringing long-term chronic issues to the forefront of health care,
00:55including heart disease, dementia and diabetes, all requiring long-term care for which there is no cure.
01:03The site reiterates it is already estimated £7 out of every £10 spent in the NHS goes to people with
01:11these conditions.
