Companies that use pharmaceutical Fix-a-Form multi-page labels look set to be affected by plans by the British government to tackle so-called health tourism.

According to immigration minister Damian Green, the NHS is a national rather than international health service.

As a result, he believes it cannot afford to continue providing treatment to people from overseas for free.

The government is therefore implementing policies that will ensure anyone who owes at least £1,000 to the NHS will not be allowed to visit or stay in Britain until the sum has been paid.

Estimates suggest this will enable the NHS to claw back almost all of the money it is due to receive.

Mr Green described the measures as "robust" controls that will help to protect the health service.

Public health minister Anne Milton added: "These changes will begin the process of developing a clearer and fairer system of access to free NHS services."

This comes after the King's Fund thinktank said the NHS is currently facing an "unprecedented" financial challenge, which means major changes to how services are delivered must be made.

Denny Bros Ltd, 21 March 2011