More healthcare consumption is not the answer to our ailments

Millions of patients are waiting to access care in a system under immense strain. Long waits can lead to poorer outcomes and exacerbate the suffering of those seeking treatment, something that we should not overlook. However, we must also acknowledge that more healthcare does not necessarily mean better health. It is increasingly evident that medical overuse can have detrimental effects on health and wellbeing.1Over the past few decades in industrialised countries, diagnostic tools, surgical techniques, and pharmacological treatments have become better and more accessible. There has also been sustained growth in demand for healthcare services, which is projected to grow further.2 In English primary care, despite the falling number of general practitioners, NHS England reports an increase of 35 million appointments in the 12 months ending July 2022 compared with the 12 months ending July 2019, from 310 million to 345 million.3 Further, data show that seven million people in…
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