Health inequalities are “one of the biggest challenges we face”, Labour MSP and former health minister, Malcolm Chisholm said last night as he detailed plans to form a new cross-party parliamentary group on health inequalities.

Speaking at an event hosted by the newly-formed Health Inequalities Alliance, Chisholm said health inequalities are “not acceptable and not right.”

The proposed Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities will hold its inaugural meeting in the Parliament next Thursday at 1pm.

Chisholm said the group will explore many of the lifestyle factors that influence health inequalities.

“Nobody can deny that issues of diet and exercise, smoking and alcohol are absolutely fundamental in terms of explaining health inequalities,” he said.

However, he continued: “But I do believe that you have to look at the social circumstances and the social conditions that people live in behind some of those difference as well…” adding that he realises this will be the area that is probably the most “controversial”.

The event introduced the newly established Health Inequalities Alliance – a not-for-profit social enterprise and evidence based campaigning organisation that will operate to reduce health inequalities. The organisation, which will act as secretariat to the proposed Cross Party Group, says it intends to “identify and improve the health opportunities of the most vulnerable groups.”

Jim Swift, health economics director, Health Inequalities Alliance called for a “stark re-think” about how we tackle health inequalities in Scotland.

While Jacqueline Forde, public affairs and communications director, HIA added: “We want to bring hard evidence to the table, not spin.”

www.healthinequalitiesalliance.org