As the name indicates, the National Health Service covers the entire country and all citizens irrespective of their financial status are eligible for the benefits. Regional Health Authorities and Area Health Authorities are empowered to administer the schemes. Under these administrative set up there are millions of employees who are engaged in different occupations. Doctors play the pivotal role in extending services to the needy. They include specialists and general practitioners. Nurses and other paramedical staff, technicians, laboratory employees, pharmacists, chemists and sanitary workers are among innumerable categories of employees whose serve the NHS. Established in 1948, this national scheme is hailed as one of the largest projects of its type in the world. In the course of years, several changes were brought in to make the scheme efficient and result oriented. It is a government initiative, but public plays the role of watchdog. Community health councils and other voluntary organizations participate in this national programme.

The employees of the National Health Service are rendering humanitarian services which are appreciated by one and all. Several establishments offer them special privileges. One such prerogative is the special debit cards which entitle them for discounts while shopping for their requirements. Well known as Black Cards, NHS employees and their families can avail them from the relevant websites. The Black cards have become a popular medium for shopping. But everyone in the society cannot avail the cards. The card issuing establishments choose certain groups of consumers who are identifiable. The card holders are eligible for 3.5 percent discounts every time they buy from specific sale outlets.

Choosing cards instead of cash for transactions are very much in vogue in the contemporary society. Shoppers consider this mode of shopping as the most convenient as well as safe option. Theft of cash in the busy streets or in public transport system is becoming highly prevalent. Of course online shopping is becoming highly popular because shoppers can avoid carrying cash during shopping. But then, cards are essential components of the electronic shopping system. Shoppers have two options. Either they should have a credit card or a debit card sponsored by banks or recognized financial institutions.

The latest trend of discount cards is advantageous than the conventional debit or credit cards. Shoppers can earn 3.5 percent discounts on every purchase, which is a unique feature of the Black cards. There is no question of paying interests and penal interests as in the case of credit cards. Consumers need not undergo formalities like opening bank accounts and maintaining the statutory minimum cash balance as in the case of debit cards. The rechargeable discount cards are free from complicated formalities. Further they fetch discounts making the deals cheaper.

The reasons for unprecedented response from the public for this type of debit cards are obvious. Apart from safety and convenience, cost effective shopping will be the exclusive privilege of the shopper with Black Cards. As long as a person is employed in the NHS, Black cards can be availed by not only the individuals concerned but also by family members. The only negative aspect is that the card holder will have to surrender the cards in case of quitting the National Health Service.