Health Secretary Alan Johnson has announced that primary care trusts (PCTs) in England will receive an extra £3.8bn in 2008-09.
The 5.5% increase in revenue allocation will bring total funding to £74bn, he said.
Mr Johnson also unveiled five “principal priorities” for the NHS, which include preparing for a possible flu pandemic.
The service must also boost cleanliness, achieve the 18-week referral to treatment target, improve cancer and stroke care, and provide better patient experience and staff satisfaction.
Mr Johnson said: “All PCTs will receive a cash increase of 5.5%, a total cash increase of £3.8bn, bringing the total revenue allocations to £74bn.
“In addition, £1.7bn of nonrecurrent budgets are also being issued, meaning that 82% of the total NHS revenue budget will be issued direct to primary care trusts compared to 72% in 1996-97.
“Overall, we have trebled investment in the NHS from £35bn to £110bn by 2010-11.”
He added: “The NHS must meet the needs of its patients and their families, the expectations of the public and the aspirations of its staff.
“At all times, the NHS must be safe, effective, personalised and fair. The more responsive and personalised the NHS gets, the better the care it will provide and the more confidence the health service will inspire.”
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