This month, we turn our attention to themes of prevention, sustainability, and the transformative power of diet on healthcare spending.
If you can't view this email properly, take a look at our newsletter here.
August 2024
Guest editor: Grace Hampson | Associate Director
Driving Change Through Prevention and Sustainability in Healthcare
As we navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of health economics has never been more critical. Our work illuminates the complexities of healthcare policy and drives the conversations that can lead to change. This month, we turn our attention to themes of prevention, sustainability, and the transformative power of diet on healthcare spending.
Our report, Reimagining Prevention for a Healthier, More Prosperous Society, challenges us to rethink the approach to health.
By prioritising preventive measures, there is an opportunity to improve individual well-being and guide economic prosperity.
In Supporting the Era of Green Pharmaceuticals in the UK, we explore the intersection of healthcare and environmental sustainability. The future of the pharmaceutical industry lies in its ability to innovate while reducing its environmental impact, and this report highlights the significant potential of green pharmaceuticals to lead the way.
Our insight, Could Plant-based Diets Transform Health Care Spending?, examines how a shift toward plant-based diets could reduce chronic diseases, potentially leading to substantial savings in healthcare costs.
I want to extend a personal invitation to two upcoming events that promise to deepen our understanding of these critical issues. Green Healthcare: Are We Asking the Right Questions? will explore the challenging questions at the intersection of healthcare and sustainability, while the 2024 OHE Annual Lecture: The Preventive Health Revolution: Live Longer, Live Better will provide insights into the potential of preventive health strategies to reshape our healthcare system.
Must-read OHE Publications
Reimagining Prevention for a Healthier, More Prosperous Society
This report highlights the importance of prevention as a cost-effective investment for public sector resources.
By focusing on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention measures, we can reduce ill health, improve healthcare capacity, and drive broader economic growth. Investing in prevention improves public health outcomes and strengthens the overall economy.
Supporting the Era of Green Pharmaceuticals in the UK
Tackling the climate crisis is a global priority, and healthcare plays a significant role, contributing 5% of the UK's carbon footprint. In 2022, NHS England reported that pharmaceuticals alone accounted for 25% of the NHS's total carbon emissions.
This report outlines the key actions that the NHS, UK government and industry must prioritise to address these critical challenges.
Could Plant-based Diets Transform Health Care Spending?
Adopting a plant-based diet in England has the potential to save the NHS £6.7 billion each year.
Research increasingly shows that vegan diets are linked to lower risks of chronic diseases, which could ease the strain on NHS resources. The health benefits of this dietary shift could be transformative, reducing healthcare costs and improving public health.
