Across the UK, doctors are reporting a worrying increase in the number of patients suffering from illnesses that were once associated with the past, including diseases like scabies and erysipelas. These illnesses, which were common in the Victorian era, are now making a disturbing comeback. The surge in these cases has led medical professionals to issue urgent calls for the government to take stronger action on poverty and health inequality.
The Rise of Victorian Diseases
In a recent survey conducted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), nearly 90% of the 882 doctors surveyed expressed deep concern about the growing impact of health inequalities on their patients. These inequalities are linked to various social and economic factors, including poor housing, air pollution, and limited access to transport. Over the past three months, 72% of doctors reported seeing an increase in health conditions directly connected to these issues.
Several physicians have shared accounts of treating patients with scabies, a highly contagious skin condition caused by mites that spreads through close contact. Scabies thrives in environments with overcrowding and poor hygiene, conditions that are more prevalent in impoverished areas. Other doctors reported treating patients who had suffered from hypothermia due to an inability to afford heating in their homes. Some patients also presented with severe malnutrition, which often leads to prolonged illness and a slower recovery process.
Dr. Ash Bassi, a gastroenterologist from Merseyside, highlighted how social determinants of health are putting an overwhelming strain on the healthcare system. He pointed out that food insecurity, poor housing, and financial instability are not just causing short-term illnesses but turning them into long-term health issues. Patients are increasingly delaying visits to healthcare professionals because of financial concerns, which worsens their conditions.
The Growing Impact of Health Inequality
One physician shared that roughly half of their caseload now consists of health problems that are directly linked to social factors. These include cold and damp housing, poor diet, and unstable employment. As a result, many patients are suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses, while others are experiencing delayed healthcare access, leading to more severe health outcomes.
The resurgence of diseases that were thought to be largely eliminated in modern society underscores the impact of persistent poverty and the failure to address underlying social determinants of health. Conditions like scabies and hypothermia, which were once seen as a thing of the past, are now re-emerging as major public health concerns in the UK.
Doctors warn that unless urgent action is taken to address these issues, the country will continue to see a rise in preventable diseases—many of which should have been consigned to history. The connection between social factors and health is becoming impossible to ignore, and healthcare professionals are calling for a coordinated response from the government to tackle these root causes.
Medical Leaders Urge Government Action
Dr. John Dean, the vice-president of the RCP, emphasized that the UK government must take immediate action to address the root causes of poor health. He called for a comprehensive, cross-government strategy that focuses on critical issues such as housing, employment, tobacco use, obesity, and air pollution. These factors, he explained, are at the heart of the health inequalities affecting millions of people across the country.
Dr. Dean warned that without a clear and well-executed plan, the UK is on track to see a significant increase in major illnesses. The Royal College of Physicians predicts that over 2.5 million more people in England will be living with serious illnesses by 2040 if current trends continue. This future projection highlights the urgent need for change and more proactive measures to reduce health inequalities.
Dr. Bassi echoed these concerns, saying that the current healthcare system is overwhelmed by conditions that are often preventable with the right interventions. He pointed to the need for a shift from treating illness to preventing it, particularly by addressing the social factors that contribute to poor health outcomes.
The Government’s Response
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated that the government remains committed to reducing health inequalities. The spokesperson added that the government’s strategy includes a “fundamental shift from sickness to prevention,” with a focus on improving public health and easing pressure on the NHS.
The government has also pledged to work toward closing the gap in healthy life expectancy between the wealthiest and most deprived regions of the country. However, doctors and health leaders argue that more action is needed. They insist that a broader, more coordinated approach across various sectors is necessary to prevent the rise of diseases that are linked to poverty and poor living conditions.
Despite the government’s assurances, many doctors feel that the current strategies are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The healthcare professionals are calling for urgent measures to tackle the social determinants of health that continue to contribute to worsening health outcomes for disadvantaged communities.
A Call for Change
The rise of diseases such as scabies, erysipelas, and hypothermia is a stark reminder of the deep inequalities that persist in the UK. These conditions are often linked to poverty, poor housing, and lack of access to essential resources. If left unaddressed, these health issues could worsen, leading to a greater burden on the NHS and society as a whole.
Doctors across the country are calling for a coordinated response that goes beyond just healthcare. They argue that tackling the root causes of health inequalities is the only way to create lasting change and improve the overall well-being of the population. With the number of people suffering from preventable diseases set to rise, the time for action is now.
