Health Secretary Alan Johnson has announced the formation of the National Alcohol Support Team, which is tasked with helping towns that have a high number of drink related health issues.
"Health in the most disadvantaged parts of the country is improving rapidly, but the relative gap is growing and we will do more to reduce it," Mr Johnson said. "We need to recognize and accept that health inequalities are everyone's business - not just an issue for the NHS, but for government and society as a whole."Furthermore an initiative called "healthy towns" has also been announced at a cost of £30 million. The initial target is to reduce health inequalities by 10%. This is measured by the reduction in infant mortality and increase in life expectancy.
The Alcohol Support Team will be charged with identifying measures to improve the care for alcoholics and reduce hospital admissions in this category.
Source-Medindia
RAS/L
