I spoke to Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) Economist Andrea Black this week about a report she’s produced on the economic, social & financial costs of the worsening health of our workforce.

The 52-page report, titled Managed decline: The Health of New Zealand 2011 to 2024, details a worsening in the health of the working-age population, in particular around mental health and obesity.

Andrea used Treasury cost-benefit models to work out the potential costs to society and the economy of up to $10.6 billion per year through lost hours worked, falling productivity, presenteeism and lost taxes because of the sickening health of the workforce. She estimated that a continued worsening at the same rate would increase that loss by an extra $3.3 billion by 2035/36.

We talked about:

* How the self-rated health of New Zealanders has declined significantly.

* 80% of health determinants were outside the health system.

* How 22,000 more people are out of work due to health issues.

* Presenteeism contributes significantly to lost productivity.

* Mental health issues had a substantial economic impact.

* Social determinants like housing and income were crucial for health.

* Health impacts not only individuals but also families and communities.

These tables charts in the report tell the story:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Health Trends in New Zealand

03:07 Self-Rated Health: A Decline in Perception

06:05 Economic Implications of Health Deterioration

09:05 Social Determinants of Health and Community Impact

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Ka kite ano

Bernard

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