After a stunning display at the Opening Ceremonies last month, the National Health Service (NHS) has been encouraged to promote its brand abroad.

The Department of Health and the UK Trade and Investment department have teamed in the venture. Piggybacking off the success of the NHS’ international exposure during the Olympics will potentially spur a global recognition of the NHS brand along the same lines as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins hospital, in the United States.

High profile hospitals such as the Great Ormond Street Hospital — which featured prominently in the Opening Ceremonies — and Moorfields Eye Hospital will spearhead the programme. Initial forays could be made into the Middle East, where the NHS brand is already in demand, and potentially India, China and Brazil.

“The NHS has a world-class reputation and this exciting development will make the most of that to deliver real benefits for both patients and taxpayers,” Health Minister Anne Milton said.

The exported brand will allow NHS outposts around the world to charge for their services, thus allowing revenue to stream back to the UK while simultaneously developing the NHS reputation abroad.