• IT is undeniable that the majority of funding for the National Health Service originates from general taxation and NI, national insurance, contributions by working individuals.

Similarly, the future of the NHS – which the health secretary Wes Streeting, has described as “broken” – appears uncertain without a series of reforms, not only in its funding mechanisms but also in cultural shifts regarding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the increasing number of individuals who are physically unhealthy due to being overweight.

If these issues remain unaddressed, they could endanger not only the lives of those who fail to take responsibility for their health but also jeopardise the very institution we rely on for expert medical assistance when we are unwell.

So we must ask ourselves: “Are we prepared to implement gradual changes alongside the proposed reforms to the NHS’s current operations, so we can ensure these changes benefit us and future generations?”

I believe that it is in our best interest to commit to making every possible effort, even though some of these changes – such as quitting smoking, reducing reliance on highly processed foods rich in fat, salt, and sugar, and increasing physical activity – are challenging.

These issues contribute to excessive body weight and pose serious risks of preventable illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and various forms of cancer, which can lead to significant harm in our lives.

TREVOR ELLIS
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