The Gibraltar Health Authority has just published its Annual Report covering the events of the two years 2012 and 2013. The report, which is edited by Director of Public Health, Dr Vijay Kumar, covers the activities of the Authority during the period, and provides a number of health related statistics.

In his Introduction to the Report, the Chief Executive Mr. Freddie Pitto says:

“This report outlines the work carried out by the GHA over this period highlighting the success and also the challenges faced, challenges which are similar to those being experienced by other NHS organisations. This includes a growing number of elderly patients with complex clinical conditions, increasing public expectations of healthcare services and pressure to meet financial targets. What makes these challenges even more complex is the geographical isolation of Gibraltar and in that the GHA is the only healthcare provider.

"As you go through the report you will appreciate the achievements made during this period. Day to day the GHA continues to make real and tangible progress providing a solid foundation for future progress.”

Launching the GHA Report, the Minister for Heath the Hon. Dr. John Cortes added:

‘Healthcare is a challenge for every community. Everyone wants to be well, and the health service has a duty to meet the needs and the expectations of everyone. But modern 'western' life in itself threatens our well-being. Our high calorie and high fat diets, our lack of exercise, and our indulgence in smoking or drinking, if not controlled and moderated, result in illness for us as individuals, in anxiety for families, and in pressure on the ability of our health service to deliver. Modern medicine is also increasingly sophisticated and expensive and the nature of healthcare is such that you could always spend some more.’T