SUPERMARKETS should not be allowed to run health clinics while simultaneously selling tobacco and fattening foods, doctors will argue today.
On a day devoted to public health issues, doctors at the
British Medical Association's (BMA's) annual conference will debate the role of supermarkets in promoting health lifestyles.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the BMA, said there was widespread interest in the area.
Supermarkets in general were "not helping people make healthy choices" through the sale of unhealthy food and had "not completely been on side" with regards to better food labelling, she said.
Debated
Other issues to be debated today include gambling and alcohol addiction and treatment on the NHS.
Around 500 doctors are attending the Annual Representatives Meeting in Belfast, which will be addressed by Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the GPs Committee, this afternoon.
Another motion discussed today looks at the UK's preparations for a flu pandemic.
Dr Steve Hajioff, who is proposing the motion, said earlier this week that plans were "woefully inadequate" and a pandemic would have "enormous" implications.
IS it hypocritical for supermarkets to provide health services while selling intoxicants? Have your say.
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The supermarkets will run anything they think will turn a big fat obscene profit regardless of anyone elses' interests - I now refuse to shop in them.
If more people would support local shops and markets, they would find more bargains;friendlier service and better quality food than the robber barons of the big supermarkets. Support your local shops - before it's too late. Those loyalty cards really are a big con - and you're the ones being conned. Give the power back to the locals.
People make there own decisions about what to buy, just because its there it doesn't mean you want it.
I for example dont drink and I am Veggie so I dont buy meat or beer because its there!
People have to be responsible and ignore offers unless they need stuff.