On learning of the new government’s plans to tackle health inequalities and reduce alcohol-related harm, Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicans said:
[On the measures around the sale of alcohol]
The nation’s growing dependence on alcohol is putting a huge strain on limited NHS resources, especially in hospitals. It is also apparent that previous government policies to reduce health harms caused by alcohol misuse failed make a real impact. Numerous studies have shown that the price is a key determinant of consumption. The government’s decision to curtail deep discounting has the potential to reduce the harmful amounts that some of the most vulnerable members of our community drink, and is greatly welcome.
[On the measures around tackling health inequalities]
The inequalities in health that persist today in the UK are not inevitable. All sectors have a role to play in reducing the gap in health between the richest and the poorest in our society. Doctors in particular are well placed to initiate, involve themselves in and advocate for programmes of action to reduce health inequality, and we look forward to working with the government on that basis.