A new report by Public Health Scotland (PHS) on the burden of chronic liver disease across Scotland, revealed modelling that suggests an additional 23,100 people will be living with the disease in 2044, compared to 2019.
Read the report: Scottish Burden of Disease
SHAAP Chair Dr Alastair MacGilchrist believes the response must be proportionate to the scale of this emergency:
“Today’s estimate by PHS predicts that by 2044, there will be a rise of over 50% in chronic liver disease in Scotland, placing a huge burden on our already-struggling NHS.
“Such an increase in liver disease is not inevitable. Public health measures to reduce alcohol consumption will help. Minimum unit pricing is already reducing the level of harm, but the Scottish government needs to do more such as restrict alcohol marketing.
“There are many missed opportunities to intervene to reduce heavy alcohol intake before liver damage occurs.”
