SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has called for revenue generated from the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to be used in tackling obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Mr Durkan said: “We are all well aware of the massive and growing pressures in our health service.
“The NIAO report estimates an annual cost of £400 million to treat diabetes here, 10 per cent of the local health service budgets. Crucially, it forecasts that this figure could potentially rise to 17 per cent by 2035, if allowed to go unchecked.
“Three in five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. In order to tackle the obesity epidemic here we need a joined-up approach working on a cross-departmental basis.
“It is my opinion that the revenue generated through the new ‘Sugar Tax’, which will come into effect from April this year, should be ring fenced and spent on tackling conditions such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
“The pressures on our health system can only be alleviated by keeping people healthier and reducing their dependency on healthcare.
“Not enough is spent here on health awareness promotion and preventative measures, but now we have an opportunity to get more to do just that.
“Using money raised through the levy means we can target those at high risk and take a wider population approach to prevention by seeking to reduce obesity, improve diets and increase participation in physical activity,” added the Foyle MLA.
