TBI Director of Health Policy and former GP Dr Charlotte
Refsum said:
“The government has proven itself to be bold by introducing this
anti-smoking legislation.
“State intervention to improve health works. The ban on smoking
in pubs and restaurants has been proven to reduce hospital
admissions for heart attacks as well as air pollution from
cigarette smoke. The sugar tax has led to drinks manufacturers
changing their products so they contain significantly less sugar.
“We also need to remember that nearly half of people who smoke
want to quit. Thanks to this legislation there will be a
generation of young people who will never get addicted to
nicotine and therefore never suffer the ill-effects of smoking.
“The government should now go even further to improve the health
of the nation by introducing our proposal for ‘Protect
Britain'. Backed by Sir John Bell, Protect
Britain would bring a new generation of vaccines,
therapeutics and screening to those at-risk of otherwise
preventable diseases; meeting people where they are – online, at
home and in the high street.
“It could save billions of pounds and return millions of people
to the workplace, creating a healthier, happier, more prosperous
nation.”
Further info
TBI's full proposals can be read in Moving From Cure to
Prevention Could Save the NHS Billions: A Plan to Protect Britain
(institute.global)
