3 March 2004
Health Secretary John Reid is asking the British public how the country can deal with problems like obesity and smoking.
The national debate is launched today in ‘Choosing Health?’ It will form the basis of a nationwide consultation exercise over the next three months.
Mr Reid said the paper is not setting out government policy but asking questions for the public to debate.
Topics under discussion include:
- restricting smoking;
- encouraging walking and cycling;
- access to fruit and vegetables;
- food labelling;
- advertising;
- preventing and treating sexual infections; and
- healthy workplaces.
“These are issues for all of us, not just for the Government,” he said. “We need a big debate about where Government responsibility lies and where individuals must play a part in tackling these vital challenges.”
He added that despite improvements in the NHS there are still “worrying problems” in preventable conditions like obesity and sexually transmitted infections.
“I want everyone to make their voice heard - because everyone’s future is at stake.”
Hundreds of events are expected to take place across the country as part of the debate. Ministers, the NHS, local authorities and public health organisations will all have a role in the programme.
delicious
digg
facebook
