MSP wants action on Scotland’s public health

Foysol Choudhury MSP chaired the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Improving Scotland’s Health when a presentation was made by Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, about the body’s Economy and Poverty Programme, health trends and the importance of addressing health-harming commodities.

The CPG focuses on action which could be taken, such as reducing the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy foods, to reduce illness and deaths in Scotland such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

Following the meeting, Mr Choudhury highlighted the concerning health disparities between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities.

He said: “The concerning health trends we heard about at the meeting have raised alarm bells for me yet again about the disparity in life expectancy between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities. 

“This is something I have raised before and will continue to raise until we see improvements in the quality of life for all in Scotland-until a time when where you are born will not affect your chance to live a long and healthy life. 

“CEO of Public Health Scotland Paul Johnston noted in his presentation on Wednesday that change is possible, if we invest time, energy and resources into prevention now. 

“That is why the work of this CPG is so vital, to ensure action is taken and preventative frameworks are put in place to support the future of Scotland’s health for the next generation.”