Health insurance giant Bupa has said pre-tax profits rose by almost 20 per cent last year as more NHS patients paid for their own hospital treatment.
Privately-owned Bupa had a six per cent rise in the number of NHS patients it handled during 2002 as independent health companies took on an increasing number of cases from overstretched government health services.
The company also opened its first privately-run diagnostic and treatment centre, staffed by both Bupa and NHS employees, which is dedicated to NHS patients.
For the year to December 31, Bupa said pre-tax profits rose to £107.9 million on income, up 17.1 per cent to £2.8 billion.
The company's provident status means all profits are reinvested in the business.
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