August 19, 2022
1 min read

Officials warn of public health emergency

Taylors said these outbreaks of illness will strike “just as the NHS is likely to experience the most difficult winter on record”…reports Asian Lite News

Senior officials in UK’s National Health Service (NHS) on Friday made an “unprecedented” appeal to the government to take action on rising energy prices as the country faces a “public health emergency”.

The NHS Confederation sent a letter to ministers, warning that surging costs mean people will have to choose between skipping meals to heat their homes or living in cold and damp conditions this winter, reports dpa news agency.

Health leaders said they are concerned that widespread fuel poverty will increase the high number of annual deaths associated with cold homes, estimated at 10,000, and add pressure to an already overwhelmed health service.

NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said: “The country is facing a humanitarian crisis. Many people could face the awful choice between skipping meals to heat their homes and having to live in in cold, damp and very unpleasant conditions.

“This in turn could lead to outbreaks of illness and sickness around the country and widen health inequalities, worsen children’s life chances, and leave an indelible scar on local communities.”

Taylors said these outbreaks of illness will strike “just as the NHS is likely to experience the most difficult winter on record”.

“NHS leaders have made this unprecedented intervention as they know that fuel poverty will inevitably lead to significant extra demand on what are already very fragile services,” he added.

“Health leaders are clear that, unless urgent action is taken by the government, this will cause a public health emergency.”

It comes as energy regulator Ofgem is set to raise the cap on energy prices from October, leading household bills to soar.

The government has faced calls to freeze bills or provide more support to households, but Ministers have said no action will be taken until a new Prime Minister is in place on September 5.

ALSO READ-UK workers to face record pay slump

Previous Story

New submarine fleet could boost Taiwan defence: Experts

Next Story

UAE Vice President praises role of humanitarian cadres

Latest from -Top News

Chad Ends French Military Presence

In November 2024, Chad announced the end of the security and defence cooperation agreement with France…reports Asian Lite News Chad on Thursday announced a full withdrawal of French troops from the Central

UAE receives first Rafale jet 

In a landmark deal with France’s Dassault Aviation, the UAE Ministry of Defence has inaugurated its first Rafale fighter jet, marking a major step in modernizing its military capabilities. The acquisition includes

DXB sets new benchmark, targets 100m passengers 

Dubai International (DXB) has broken its own record, welcoming 92.3 million passengers in 2024, reaffirming its place as the world’s busiest airport for international travel.    Dubai International (DXB) has marked a

Third Gaza hostage exchange complete 

A significant moment unfolded as Palestinian prisoners were welcomed in Ramallah, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu celebrated the return of three Israeli hostages freed from Gaza.  On Thursday, a significant moment unfolded
Go toTop