Whether it is the climate crisis or global drug shortages, the question at the heart of tackling these problems or mitigating their impact is how best to navigate them as a society. Central to that is the idea of prevention as preparation.
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September 2024
Guest editor: Graham Cookson | Chief Executive
Building resilience is key to facing some of today’s most critical issues.
Whether it is the climate crisis or global drug shortages, the question at the heart of tackling these problems or mitigating their impact is how best to navigate them as a society. Central to that is the idea of prevention as preparation.
Here in England, the much-awaited review into our National Health Service asserted that a shift from sickness to prevention was crucial to long term sustainability. “Prevention is better than cure” is frequently invoked but, again and again, chronic underfunding and resource limitations hinder advancements towards a prevention-focused public
health agenda. OHE recently brought together key stakeholders across industry, academia and government to discuss cross-sector approaches to prevention, and where we go from here.
Around the world, we’re living longer lives– and this means ever mounting pressure on healthcare systems. Medicines can help relieve some of that pressure but there is growing concern over the reliability of supply. We recently developed a framework to understand the cost of drug shortages: their potential scale, how they manifest, and who bears those costs.
These growing demands on healthcare systems affect not just us but the world we live in. Our 2023 Annual Lecture focused on the dual question of how health care impacts the planet, and how the climate crisis impacts our health. Health economics plays a crucial role in ascertaining how health care markets can advance towards a more sustainable future: one of our latest insights looks at identifying the right starting points to catalyse some of the most urgently needed changes in the climate-health crisis.
If you haven’t been lucky enough to secure a place for this year’s Annual Lecture, look out for similar write-ups afterwards as we continue to explore the link between prevention and healthy ageing across our other channels.
New Insights
Green Healthcare: Are We Asking the Right Questions? webinar insights
Four experts discussed the challenges of managing climate change's impact on healthcare while reducing the sector's environmental footprint.
The key gaps include the overlooked effects of climate change on mental health and the lack of data linking healthcare interventions to environmental outcomes.
The panel stressed the importance of creating a sense of urgency and integrating financial and environmental returns in decision-making to drive change.
Drug shortages are on the rise – but what is their impact?
The Cost of Drug Shortages research analyses the growing issue of global drug shortages and provides a framework for quantifying the associated costs.
Three case studies illustrate how shortages of key drugs like Trastuzumab, Statins, and Saline can impact patient health, healthcare resources, and drug prices.
The findings highlight the significant trade-offs policymakers must consider between controlling pharmaceutical costs and developing resilient drug supply chains.
Reimagining Prevention for a Healthier, More Prosperous Society: Webinar Insights
The OHE webinar on “Reimagining Prevention for a Healthier, More Prosperous Society” looked at preventative care's economic and health benefits and the barriers.
Expert panellists talked about the importance of cross-sector collaboration, improved use of data, and digital strategies to improve preventive healthcare while addressing inequities.
The Economics of Health in a Shifting Climate: Insights from the 2023 Annual Lecture
The 2023 OHE Annual Lecture, delivered by Professor Elizabeth Robinson, Climate Change Economist, examined the intersection of health and climate change, with the need for sustainable healthcare practices.
Professor Robinson called for cross-sector collaboration and policy action to create healthier environments and mitigate the impact of climate change on public health.
The Preventive Health Revolution: Live Longer, Live Better
Professor Andrew J Scott will deliver this year's lecture, challenging conventional views on ageing and advocating a shift towards a longevity society.
In his lecture, Professor Scott will emphasise the critical importance of prevention in achieving longer, healthier lives. He will explore the transformative changes needed across society, the economy, and the health sector to transition from reactive illness care to proactive health care.
The lecture is free to attend and will be followed by a Q&A session and a drinks reception.
Due to popular demand we are now at capacity for this event. Please still register and we will contact you if a space becomes available.
