Promoting health through public policy

The summary and recommendations of a group set up by the Health Education Bureau, Ireland and reprinted here with the Bureau's permission. They deal with the health policy aspect of health promotion. Though average life expectancy has improved in Ireland, there is room for improvement, Health promotion policy must aim to make healthy choices easier and to provide a healthier environment. Increased expenditure has not led to the expected improvement in the health of the population, the bulk of current spending being on curing illness and on care. A comprehensive food policy and strategies for modifying dietary habits is required and must involve a multi-sectoral, health-conscious approach. The role of the health minister should be extended to include shared responsibility for health promotion with health boards at local level. An overall plan should be produced regularly and its progress monitored annually. A health promotion council should be established to coordinate expertise and experience from different public and private sectors. The scope of the HEB should be broadened to include wider environmental issues. The government should seek to ensure that national, legislative and structural measures to promote health are reflected in EEC institutions.