Written Answers. - Preventive Health Care.
Jim Kemmy
Ceist:
74
Mr. Kemmy
asked the
Minister for Health
if in the light of the increasing cost of hospital treatment he will launch a new campaign of preventive health care; if he will ensure greater resources for such a campaign; and if he will seek greater participation from the medical profession in such a campaign.
The Deputy will be aware of my views that the medical profession have a pivotal role in the provision of preventive medical health care services and particularly in the wider health promotion area.
The medical profession is very much involved in the delivery of the various services provided under both the community protection programme and the community health services programme. The community protection programme encompasses such services as child development services, immunisation programmes, food hygiene and school health services. The community health services programme includes,inter alia, the general medical services, community nursing services and maternity and infant care services. Significant resources are being made available this year to continue the development of these services as a major contribution to the prevention of disease and disability and to ensure that patients are dealt with at the appropriate level.
The prevalence of many serious illnesses today can be reduced significantly through improved lifestyle decisions. The Deputy will be aware of the commitment given in theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress on promoting positive health which will continue to inform the Government's decision-making in all areas of health care.
The need to develop an enhanced role for the medical profession in the wider area of health promotion is acknowledged internationally. Specifically, reduction in tobacco consumption and healthy nutrition have been identified by the WHO as important areas in which the greater role of the medical profession should be pursued. In that regard the health promotion unit of my Department, in association with the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Cancer Society, will develop, this year, an anti-smoking programme for use by medical practitioners in their contact with patients/clients. In addition, I will be launching shortly a five year action plan on nutrition health promotion which will provide for a key role for the medical profession in promoting healthy eating.
On the question of resources for health promotion, the health promotion unit will receive this year an additional 20 per cent in their allocation compared with last year's allocation. I will also be increasing substantially the unit's allocation from my Department's national lottery funding.
