McArthur urges First Minister to act on men's health

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has today urged the First Minister to take action to improve outcomes in men's health across Scotland.

Speaking during backbench First Minister's Questions, Mr McArthur raised that men's health charity Movember's recently published report, The Real Face of Men's Health, found that men born in Scotland can expect the shortest life expectancy of any UK nation at just 77.4 years. It also found that place-based inequality continues to drive significant disparities in health outcomes for men, with men living in Scotland's most deprived constituencies facing a considerably higher risk of premature death than their counterparts in Scotland's least deprived constituencies.

Commenting further after the exchange, Mr McArthur said:

"Movember's report paints a stark picture of men's health in Scotland, making it clear that we have much work to do in tackling inequalities and improving outcomes across every constituency.

"At the same time, we have a real opportunity here to translate this data into evidence-based policy that will enable men in Scotland to live longer, healthier lives. As the report lays out, many of the leading causes of premature death that men face are preventable when the right resources are in place and accessible.

"In my own Orkney constituency, for example, I've seen firsthand the valuable role that Men's Sheds and other locally run initiatives can play in combatting social isolation and improving mental wellbeing. However, communities shouldn't be left to face this issue alone and require greater support from government.

"I welcome the First Minister's commitment to invest further in prevention and early intervention across areas that pose the highest risk to men's health, like substance and alcohol misuse, heart disease and mental health. However, I believe it is time the Scottish Government brought forward a men’s health strategy to allow a more joined up approach between all those with a part to play."