The first groups of GPs who will commission health services have been announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
The 52 groups of GP practices from across England have been selected to be the first to take on commissioning responsibilities as part of the Government's plans set out in the NHS White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS.
The groups selected, known as pathfinders, will work together to manage their local budgets and commission services for patients direct with other NHS colleagues and local authorities.
The GP pathfinders announced today include 1860 GP practices that provide healthcare to 12.8 million people across England - around a quarter of the population.
The Department of Health said this was just the start and more GP consortia have come forward to join the pathfinder programme. The Department intends as many consortia as possible test out the new arrangements at an early stage before GP consortia take on statutory responsibilities from April 2013.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "I am delighted by the response and the evident enthusiasm for taking these ideas forward.
"They have demonstrated an enthusiasm and excitement for change and shown that there are many GPs ready and willing to take on commissioning responsibilities, so they can make the decisions that better meet the needs of their local communities and improve outcomes for their patients."
GP pathfinders will be supported by the National Clinical Commissioning Network, the National Leadership Council, and by national primary care bodies, such as the Royal College of GP's Centre for Commissioning.
