In recent years, healthcare systems around the world have faced increasing pressure due to rising costs, aging populations, and lifestyle-related diseases. Some argue that governments should prioritize preventing illness rather than spending the majority of...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-16
This guide provides a detailed analysis of how to structure a compelling argument that the prevention of health problems and illness deserves greater government funding than treatment, transforming a standard essay into a top-grade response with examiner insights and concrete examples.
This comprehensive guide helps students of English (VG1-VG3 and IELTS) construct a sophisticated argumentative essay on the critical topic of healthcare funding. It focuses on developing a nuanced argument for prioritizing preventive care while acknowledging the essential role of treatment. By exploring economic, social, and ethical dimensions, this resource equips you with the tools to write a high-scoring essay that demonstrates critical thinking and strong analytical skills.
In recent years, healthcare systems around the world have faced increasing pressure due to rising costs, aging populations, and lifestyle-related diseases. Some argue that governments should prioritize preventing illness rather than spending the majority of funds on treatment and medicine. While both prevention and treatment play vital roles in maintaining public health, this essay will argue that prevention deserves greater attention and funding because it reduces long-term costs, improves quality of life, and builds healthier societies.
The topic of government responsibility, particularly concerning public health, is a recurring theme in English subject exams for VG1–VG3 and is frequently seen in IELTS writing tasks. Exam questions often require you to write an argumentative essay where you must take a stand, support it with evidence, and consider counterarguments. A prompt like this one tests your ability to construct a logical, well-supported argument on a complex societal issue. An examiner will not be looking for a simple "I agree" or "I disagree" but for a nuanced discussion that demonstrates critical thinking.
For example, a past exam task might have been phrased as: "Some people believe that individuals are solely responsible for their own health, while others argue it is a societal responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion." The essay topic we are analysing is a variation on this theme, focusing specifically on the allocation of government funds. Your ability to dissect the prompt, identify the core conflict—resource allocation—and build a case using specific examples from economics, ethics, and social policy is what separates a mediocre response from an excellent one. Understanding how to argue for the prevention of health problems and illness provides you with a powerful framework for tackling a wide range of similar exam questions.
Preventing disease before it develops is always more effective and less costly than treating it afterward. Many common illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are strongly linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. By investing in public health campaigns that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and regular check-ups, governments can drastically reduce the number of people who develop these chronic conditions. For example, countries that have implemented strong anti-smoking laws, such as banning cigarette advertisements and raising taxes, have seen significant drops in lung cancer rates. This demonstrates how preventive strategies can save lives and reduce pressure on healthcare systems.
To deepen this point, consider specific national strategies. In Australia, the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes in 2012 contributed to the largest recorded decline in smoking rates. This is a targeted, low-cost legislative action that prevents illness, contrasted with the millions spent on chemotherapy, surgery, and palliative care for lung cancer patients. Similarly, Finland's North Karelia Project in the 1970s successfully lowered the region's high mortality rate from cardiovascular disease by promoting community-wide changes in diet (less salt and saturated fat) and encouraging smoking cessation. These historical examples provide powerful evidence that concerted, upstream investment in prevention yields decades of downstream health benefits and financial savings.
Furthermore, prevention extends beyond just targeting negative behaviours. It also involves proactively creating healthy environments. Urban planning that incorporates green spaces and safe cycle lanes encourages physical activity, which is a powerful tool against obesity, diabetes, and mental health issues. Debates about whether to provide free public gyms in cities are part of this larger conversation. Such infrastructural investments are preventive healthcare in a physical form, reducing the societal burden of sedentary lifestyles.
To argue effectively, you must master the key terminology. Using these terms accurately and in context demonstrates a higher level of subject knowledge and analytical precision.
| Concept | Definition and Example |
|---|---|
| Preventive Healthcare (Prophylaxis) | Measures taken to prevent diseases rather than curing them. It includes primary prevention (e.g., vaccinations, health education on nutrition), secondary prevention (e.g., mammograms for early cancer detection), and tertiary prevention (e.g., rehabilitation to prevent complications). |
| Curative Healthcare (Treatment) | Measures focused on curing a disease or treating its symptoms once it is present. Examples include pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, chemotherapy), surgical procedures, and hospitalisation for acute illness. |
| Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) | Chronic diseases that are not passed from person to person. They are of long duration and generally slow progression. Examples: cardiovascular diseases, most cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Many are linked to lifestyle. |
| Public Health | The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities, and individuals. Examples: sanitation systems, disease surveillance, and national health campaigns. |
| Fiscal Sustainability | The ability of a government to sustain its current spending, tax, and other policies in the long run without threatening government solvency. In this context, it refers to making a healthcare system affordable for future generations. |
From an economic perspective, prevention also makes sense. Treating serious illnesses often requires expensive medication, hospital stays, and long-term care. These costs can consume a large portion of national budgets and strain public health systems. Investing in prevention — such as health education, vaccination programs, and early screening — costs far less in comparison and provides long-term savings. For instance, regular screening for breast and colon cancer allows early detection and treatment, which is not only more effective but also much cheaper than managing advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, shifting government funding toward preventive care can lead to significant financial sustainability.
Let's use a clear, quantifiable example: vaccinations. The measles vaccine costs very little per dose. In contrast, a single measles outbreak can cost the public health system millions in containment efforts, contact tracing, and hospitalisation for severe cases, not to mention the economic productivity lost. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that for every dollar spent on childhood vaccination, more than ten dollars are saved in direct medical costs and indirect societal costs.
Another powerful economic argument is the impact of public health policies like a sugar tax. While controversial, such taxes aim to reduce consumption of products linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The revenue generated can be earmarked for health initiatives, while the reduced consumption lowers the future incidence of these costly chronic diseases. The UK's Soft Drinks Industry Levy is a case in point; it led many manufacturers to reformulate their drinks to contain less sugar even before its implementation, demonstrating a market-wide preventive effect prompted by government fiscal policy.
Another strong argument for prioritizing prevention is that it enhances people’s overall quality of life. Preventive healthcare encourages healthy habits, reduces the risk of disability, and helps individuals remain productive members of society. When citizens are healthier, they tend to perform better at work, have fewer sick days, and experience greater emotional well-being. Furthermore, prevention supports mental health by promoting stress reduction, physical fitness, and social engagement — all of which are vital components of holistic well-being. Thus, focusing on prevention benefits not only individuals but also the wider economy and community. …