National Health Service (NHS) is the United Kingdom's health care system, which provides state-funded medical services to all residents. The services, which include preventive and therapeutic measures and allied community services, are paid for mainly from general taxes. Employed people make an additional contribution through a compulsory health insurance plan. Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel are under contract to the government. The NHS, with its hospitals, health centers, and allied facilities, is publicly owned.