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Penalise patients say Brits

22 November 2005

Four in 10 Brits believe those who don't look after their health should be penalised. And of these, as many as a third want penalty charges imposed on medical treatment for people who smoke, drink and are obese, with almost one in ten taking the hard-line view they should be refused treatment altogether.

The study from Bupa, ahead of today's Health Debate which brings together 200 key influencers in a discussion on health issues, also reveals that 44 percent of Britons feel the Government should be most responsible for looking after their health. Britons say they want more nannying from the Government on health advice, not less with four in 10 wanting even more health advice from the Government.

There is widespread approval for the Government's recent banning of junk food advertising. The study shows that 41 percent believe this was very responsible and 30 percent think this was 'necessary because no one else will do it.'

Eight in ten believe the Government needs to play a greater part in the regulation of food manufacturers and 73 percent believe a crackdown on the British media industry and advertisers is necessary to ensure only healthy lifestyles are portrayed.

While three quarters believe the Government should introduce annual health screenings for all adults, almost half believe the Government should increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.

With over half of Brits saying that they should be responsible for their own health, eight in ten people think parents should be answerable for children’s health, with 85 percent wanting mandatory health and nutrition education for primary school children as part of the national curriculum.

Another sign of the nation’s tougher approach to health is that 62 per cent believe employers should monitor sickness absence more effectively - and in some cases, even refuse to pay sick leave. That said, two thirds of people would like to see employers given more incentives by the Government, to offer health benefits.

Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, Bupa Group Medical Director said: "We were particularly surprised that people have taken such a hard-line view on self-inflicted illnesses, with so many saying they should not be treated at all. Perhaps this shows a change in public mood and that compassionate Brits are a thing of the past?

"However, there is clear evidence from this study to support the view that individuals feel they should be accountable for their own health and well-being. But the health of a nation can't be achieved in isolation. Although individuals are ultimately responsible for health, there is also an appetite for the Government, and to a certain extent employers, to provide greater support and advice to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many welcome the Government's intervention to improve the health of the nation and believe some positive steps have already been taken.”

Results of the study will be discussed at today's Bupa Health Debate, which will be held at Royal Geographical Society, London. This year the debate topic is, 'Whose Health Is It Anyway - What balance of responsibility for people's health lies with the Government, the individual and the employer?'

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