…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
According to an expert report presented during the Covid inquiry’s first week of public hearings, the UK entered the coronavirus pandemic with “depleted” public services and an increasing gap in health inequalities.
The report, prepared jointly by professors Sir Michael Marmot and Clare Bambra, highlighted the impact of government austerity policies on the nation’s health in the lead-up to the pandemic.
Health Inequalities and Regional Disparities
The report emphasized health inequalities in the UK, including regional differences in life expectancy and the number of deaths, which can be influenced by the quality of healthcare.
Government austerity policies after 2010 were found to have had an adverse effect on health inequalities, as revealed in the report presented during the inquiry.
Depleted Public Services and Worsening Health Picture
Sir Michael Marmot highlighted the decline in social care and public health spending before the pandemic, particularly in the most deprived areas of the country.
The report concluded that the UK entered the pandemic with depleted public services, stalled health improvements, increased health inequalities, and a state of declining health among the most impoverished individuals.
Pre-existing Inequalities Amplify Pandemic Impact
Sir Michael Marmot further emphasized the influence of pre-existing inequalities in society on the impact of the pandemic.
He stressed the importance of planning for better health and narrowing health inequalities to protect against the effects of a pandemic.
Merely having a report on pandemic planning was deemed insufficient; comprehensive strategies addressing health disparities are necessary.
Lack of Consideration for Health Inequalities in Government Reports
During the inquiry, it was revealed that previous reports and exercises conducted by the Government and public health organizations did not adequately consider health inequalities or the specific risks faced by certain groups.
This gap in addressing health disparities was evident in reports such as Winter Willow in 2007, Alice in 2016, and Broad Street in 2018.
Conclusion:
The Covid inquiry highlighted the impact of government austerity policies and the widening health inequalities in the UK before the pandemic.The report emphasized the need for comprehensive planning to improve public health and narrow health disparities to better prepare for future crises.
It underscored the importance of addressing pre-existing inequalities to mitigate the effects of a pandemic on society as a whole.