BHF: Government should take preventative approach to healthcare

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has claimed that the government should take a more preventative approach to healthcare, following the publication of new research that revealed a north-south obesity divide in the country.

Despite the fact that the disparity has been a problem for decades, the charity said it is “concerning” that there has been little sign of the gap narrowing.

The BHF claims that the government’s “health map” should motivate primary care trusts and councils to work together in trying to prevent obesity problems, but that it should be supplemented by “dedicated resources” specifically for this purpose.

Peter Hollins, chief executive of the BHF, remarked: “If the government is serious about addressing the growing rates of obesity – and we believe it is – it needs to put its money where its mouth is and truly commit to a preventative approach to health.”

In response to the challenges, the government has launched Health Challenge England. Caroline Flint, public health minister, said the scheme would put people in the “driving seat” to make changes to their lifestyle, thereby preventing health problems in the process.