You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
It is more important to spend public money promoting a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent illness than to spend it on the treatment of people who are already ill.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Model Essay 1
The debate over whether public funds should prioritize promoting a healthy lifestyle to avert illnesses or be channeled towards treating the already sick is a contentious one. This essay posits that investing in preventive health measures is fundamentally more crucial than allocating funds for treatment. The discussion will delve into the long-term economic benefits of prevention and the enhancement of public health standards.
Firstly, the economic rationale behind prioritizing prevention over treatment is compelling. Preventive measures, such as public awareness campaigns and subsidized healthy food options, can significantly reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. For instance, a study by the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that for every dollar spent on preventive health programs, there is a return of about $2.71 in reduced treatment costs and increased productivity. This is because preventing diseases not only saves immediate healthcare costs but also averts the loss of productivity due to illness, thereby bolstering the economy.
Moreover, investing in preventive healthcare fosters a healthier society. Initiatives such as community exercise programs and nutritional education in schools equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make healthier lifestyle choices. Countries like Japan have successfully implemented nationwide health promotion programs, resulting in some of the highest life expectancies in the world. These measures underscore the importance of a proactive approach to health, emphasizing that a healthy populace is foundational to societal progress and well-being.
In conclusion, while the treatment of illnesses is undeniably important, the allocation of public funds towards promoting a healthy lifestyle offers more significant long-term benefits. By prioritizing prevention, not only can economic savings be realized, but the overall health of the population can also be improved. This strategy ensures a more sustainable healthcare system and a vibrant, productive society.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Model Essay 2
Allocating public resources towards fostering a health-conscious society rather than exclusively treating ailments post-diagnosis presents a profound debate. This discourse supports the former approach, asserting its superiority due to its long-term sustainability and broader health improvements. The ensuing argument will explore the effectiveness of preventative measures in enhancing public health and reducing healthcare burdens.
Preventive health strategies extend beyond mere cost savings, embodying a vision for a resilient, informed society. For instance, implementing mandatory physical education in schools and community-based fitness initiatives can significantly mitigate the risk of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases. Such interventions, reflective of the Finnish model which saw a dramatic decline in heart disease mortality rates through national lifestyle campaigns, illustrate the transformative power of preemptive action. This approach not only alleviates the financial strain on healthcare systems but also cultivates a culture of wellness, empowering individuals to take charge of their health.
Additionally, the ripple effect of preventive healthcare transcends individual benefits, fostering a societal environment where healthy living is normative and accessible. Urban planning that encourages active transportation, like cycling and walking, coupled with the provision of green spaces, serves as a testament to the societal benefits of preventive measures. These initiatives, akin to those in Copenhagen, Denmark, not only enhance physical health but also contribute to environmental sustainability and community well-being, showcasing a holistic approach to public health.
In conclusion, investing in preventive healthcare is a wise and ethical choice, offering both economic and societal benefits. It not only leads to a healthier future but also reflects a commitment to enhancing every citizen's quality of life. Redirecting public funds towards health promotion and disease prevention is essential for sustainable development.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 3
It is widely argued that spending government funds to promote salubrious living style among citizens is more crucial than treating terminally ill patients. I strongly agree with this statement, because rather than allowing diseases to develop and lavishly spending money on patients in critical conditions, proper preventive measures with changing lifestyle can save both invaluable lives and money.
The most popular preventative measure to save life and public fund is introducing a healthy life. In fact, this alone protects people from spending money on treatments for most of the precedent diseases. In other words, the cost of healthy living is considerably cheaper compared to the capital needed for the scientific research and treatments for the perennially ill patients. For instance, the diseases like Metastatic cancer, Cystic fibrosis are almost incurable but take a massive amount of money to continue treatment. Studies show that the cost of one year treatment of 100 patients with these diseases is equivalent to the amount that a government needs to finance for almost one million citizens’ basic well beings.
In addition, preventive actions with lifestyle work miraculously with those who are susceptible to inheritable diseases. We know that people are mostly vulnerable to suffer from the diseases that their ancestors did. Considering this, governments can save huge public funds if they sort out the group of people who are potential to inherit rare genetic diseases. If these people are brought to a master plan to follow a customised lifestyle which could contribute to withstand the potential genetic diseases, both governments and individuals can save a massive potential medical expense.
In conclusion, I agree that governments’ preventive measure with lifestyle modification, targeting diseases and potential patient types, is not only cheaper for individuals and governments, but also more effective and safer than studying and curing the diseases in hindsight.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score