(1)It is the Secretary of State's duty to continue the promotion in England and Wales of a comprehensive health service designed to secure improvement—
(a)in the physical and mental health of the people of those countries, and
(b)in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness,
and for that purpose to provide or secure the effective provision of services in accordance with this Act.
(2)The services so provided shall be free of charge except in so far as the making and recovery of charges is expressly provided for by or under any enactment, whenever passed.