Self-inflicted Illnesses - Essay Example

People who smoke, drink and have an unhealthy diet create self-inflicted illnesses and should not be treated by the NHS.” Discuss. Introduction This essay will analyse the use of unhealthy substances such as alcoholic drinks, and tobacco and even unhealthy consumption patterns and their effect on human health. Additionally, it will discuss as to whether individuals with self-inflicted health problems deserve the services of the National Health Services. Arguments supporting the treating of these patients by the NHS include the fact that change of a behavior (unhealthy) requires involvement of pharmaceutical or medical help, secondly, NHS is funded through public taxes and therefore it should not discriminate who it is going to help or not.

Arguments against the treatment of these patients by the NHS include the fact that there is adequate information and evidence in the public domain about consequences of bad lifestyle behaviors and therefore, taxpayers’ money should not be channeled to treatment of defiant people. Secondly, there is enough public campaign promoting healthy habits, and lastly, the cost involved in treating such diseases is exceptionally too high.