Capitalism, Inequality and Our Health

bristol | protests | event notice Friday April 13, 2012 09:48 by martin

Capitalism, Inequality and Our Health

The NHS is in crisis as Cameron and his friends introduce privatisation through the back door. They want to profit from our ill health. At the same time capitalism produces ever increasing inequality, and with that comes inequality in our health. Life expectancy in the wealthiest areas of Britain is now seven to eight years longer than the poorest areas. The gap in the infant mortality rate was 19% higher in 2001-3 between the poorest and general population, compared to 13% higher in 1997-9. Despite the continued rise in life expectancy, it is well documented that the gap between richest and poorest has actually been widening in recent years. The British Medical Journal reports that the current gap is now greater than it was in the Great Depression years of the 1920s and 1930s. So we need to fight back, not only to save our NHS from the privateers, but also to ensure equality in our health.

Discuss and plan the Fightback. Talk introduced by Salena, trade union activist and nurse at the BRI for Bristol Stokes Croft Socialist Workers Party.

Thursday April 19th, 730pm, 5th Floor, Hamilton House, The Canteen, 80 Stokes Croft.