It is more important to spend public money on promoting a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent illness than to spend it on treatment of people who are already ill. To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Real exam ielts writing task 2 |

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QUESTION

It is more important to spend public money on promoting a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent illness than to spend it on treatment of people who are already ill.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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SAMPLE ANSWER 

Governments worldwide face increasing pressure to allocate public funds wisely within the healthcare system. While some argue that priority should be given to health-promotion initiatives rather than treatment, I believe both areas are essential, although prevention deserves slightly greater emphasis.

On the one hand, spending on disease prevention brings long-term, sustainable benefits to society. Encouraging regular exercise, balanced diets, and reduced consumption of harmful substances not only lowers the incidence of chronic illnesses but also decreases the financial burden on national health services. For example, widespread campaigns against smoking have significantly reduced cases of lung cancer in many countries, demonstrating how preventive measures can save millions in future medical costs. Moreover, a healthier population contributes to higher productivity and a more vibrant economy, making investment in lifestyle-promotion programmes extremely cost-effective.

However, it would be unrealistic and ethically questionable for governments to divert too much funding away from treatment services. Regardless of how much effort is put into prevention, people will inevitably fall sick due to ageing, genetic factors, or unforeseen medical conditions. These individuals deserve timely and high-quality medical care, and neglecting them would not only worsen public health outcomes but also damage social trust. For instance, underfunded hospitals often struggle with long waiting times and outdated equipment, which can put patients’ lives at risk.

In my view, a balanced approach is required, but prevention should receive slightly more priority because it tackles health issues at their root. By investing in education campaigns, recreational facilities, and accessible screening programmes, governments can significantly reduce the number of patients requiring expensive treatment later. At the same time, essential medical services must remain adequately funded to ensure that those who do fall ill are not left without support.

In conclusion, although treatment remains crucial, I agree that promoting a healthy lifestyle should be given somewhat greater importance in public spending, as it leads to long-term health improvements and reduced financial strain on healthcare systems.

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