Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care is a ministerial position within the government of the United Kingdom. The role is responsible for overseeing policies and initiatives related to prevention, public health, and primary care.

Responsibilities

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care has a wide range of responsibilities, including:

1. **Prevention**: Developing and implementing strategies to prevent diseases and promote healthy lifestyles. This includes initiatives such as anti-smoking campaigns, vaccination programs, and promoting physical activity.

2. **Public Health**: Overseeing public health policies and programs aimed at improving the overall health and well-being of the population. This includes monitoring and responding to public health emergencies, promoting healthy eating, and tackling health inequalities.

3. **Primary Care**: Ensuring the delivery of high-quality primary care services to the public. This involves working closely with healthcare professionals, such as general practitioners (GPs), to improve access to primary care services and enhance patient experience.

Key Initiatives

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care is involved in various key initiatives to address health challenges and improve public health outcomes. Some notable initiatives include:

1. NHS Long Term Plan: Working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, the Under-Secretary of State plays a crucial role in implementing the NHS Long Term Plan. This plan sets out the government's vision for the future of the NHS, including measures to improve prevention, public health, and primary care services.

2. Obesity Strategy: Tackling obesity is a key priority for the government, and the Under-Secretary of State leads efforts to develop and implement strategies to reduce obesity rates. This includes promoting healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and working with industry to reduce the sugar and calorie content of food and drinks.

3. Mental Health Support: Recognizing the importance of mental health, the Under-Secretary of State works to improve access to mental health services and promote mental well-being. This includes initiatives to address mental health stigma, increase funding for mental health services, and improve support for children and young people.

Appointment and Accountability

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care is appointed by the Prime Minister and is a member of the government. They are accountable to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who oversees the overall health policy of the country.

See Also

• Department of Health and Social Care
• National Health Service (NHS)