Citizens movement denounces Quebec's ludicrous cuts to disease prevention

MONTREAL, April 22, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - In a one minute clip entitled "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", well-known actress Céline Bonnier and eminent economist Pierre Fortin link up with citizens from all over Quebec to oppose brutal 30 % cuts aimed at the regional public health units. This video stresses the important gains in health and quality of life brought about by disease prevention.

Why do we live 30 more years today than we did 100 years ago?
Over the last century, life expectancy has increased by 30 years.  25 of these are attributable to public health actions. Only 2% of the overall provincial health budget is currently invested in prevention.

Even in a cost cutting exercise, the Government's decision to slash public health services flies in the face of all logic. "Cutting into prevention is ludicrous. We're cutting in the least expensive item in healthcare, and yet this is what provides the best return for society" says actress Céline Bonnier in "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

The issue: prevention is long-term
Some public health achievements are well known: the fight against tobacco use, access to immunization or the control of epidemics for example. Other accomplishments tend to fall under the radar. Take for instance the work being conducted daily by regional public health units on proper housing, air and water quality, urban design, the promotion of healthy lifestyle, the prevention of violence and addiction in the young or the support systems for new mothers. All these actions are based on the best science and regional partnerships built and maintained by public health.

Disease prevention: a + for the economy, health and quality of life
Scientists and policy experts unanimously agree: disease prevention is vital for the economy as well as for the healthcare system.  Economist Pierre Fortin states that "we must look beyond the obvious: the benefits of disease prevention are not only translated into better health for all but also into a more vibrant economy made possible by a healthier population"

We ask the Quebec Premier, Mr. Philippe Couillard, to revise his decision to cut regional public health units by 30% during the April 29^th National Assembly's budgetary review.

We invite citizens to sign the petition against cuts to prevention at www.mieuxvautprevenir.org .

The clip "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is being launched on the social networks today, in English and in French: www.mieuxvautprevenir.org

SOURCE Mouvement citoyen pour la santé publique

For further information: For interviews with: Robert Perreault, citizen and public health physician, Contact:Rollande Parent, [phone], [email protected]