Key points from article :
Doctors in the UK are raising alarm over a resurgence of so-called “Victorian diseases” such as scabies and erysipelas, which they say are being driven by poverty, poor housing, and other social conditions. A survey by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) found that nearly 90% of doctors are concerned about the effects of health inequalities on their patients, and almost half reported that at least half of their workload is linked to illnesses rooted in social and economic factors.
According to the report, conditions like damp housing, inadequate heating, poor nutrition, and air pollution are contributing to worsening chronic illnesses and delayed recovery in patients. Doctors also noted a rise in cases of hypothermia among patients unable to afford heating, and malnutrition that leads to slower recovery from illness.
Dr. Ash Bassi, a gastroenterologist, and Dr. John Dean, clinical vice-president of the RCP, both emphasized the need for government action to tackle the root causes of ill-health — including poor housing, job insecurity, and food insecurity. They urged the UK government to detail how it will implement its promised health mission to combat these growing inequalities.
The Department of Health and Social Care responded by reaffirming its commitment to reducing the gap in life expectancy between rich and poor areas and said it is shifting its focus from treating illness to preventing it. However, with over 2.5 million more people in England expected to live with a major illness by 2040, health leaders stress that urgent, cross-government action is needed now.
