Scotland’s health system must be refocused on preventing ill health

Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) has launched its Manifesto for Health Creation ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

In the document, VHS calls for Scotland’s political parties to urgently prioritise action to address Scotland’s widening health inequalities.

The manifesto, launched at an event in the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, details four clear asks for future MSPs and the next Scottish Government to address health inequalities and refocus Scotland’s health system on preventing ill health.

A central ask is that health equity should be a core, cross-cutting government priority. Further asks include improving national data about health, committing to social prescribing models, and introducing targeted interventions to address unpaid carer health inequalities.

VHS, a membership body for voluntary sector health organisations, also urges Scotland’s political parties to safeguard the third sector.

In recent years, Scotland’s third sector has experienced a perfect storm of rising costs, stagnating income and increased demand. Many vital third sector health organisations are now at breaking point and face an uncertain future.

Launching the manifesto, VHS chief executive Tejesh Mistry said: “Scotland’s health is at a critical juncture and health inequalities continue to widen. As such, we are delighted to launch this manifesto which was developed in partnership with our members.

“We urge all of Scotland’s political parties to engage with Voluntary Health Scotland, and to prioritise health creation in next year’s election and beyond.”