The traditional approach, in which healthcare systems are expected to function merely as a mechanical response to treating diseases in older adults, appears to have run its course. New practices are emerging from medical research that could transform not only people’s lives but also the economy itself.

This is the central message conveyed by the internationally renowned cardiologist and Professor at University College London (UCL), John Deanfield, who emphasizes that public health must now be treated by economic policymakers as a top-priority investment in growth rather than as an expense.

“Health Economics”

Professor Deanfield makes a clear distinction that changes the landscape for policy-making. While “healthcare economics” focuses on the direct costs of treating a disease, the “economics of health” examines the broader impact of the population’s health on productivity, investment, and the capacity to generate national wealth.

“Poor health among the workforce directly harms the national economy,” the professor emphasizes, referring to the longevity paradox. Over the past 60 years, life expectancy has increased by a full 19 years, he notes, among other things—an achievement that should be celebrated. However, the challenge of our time is not chronological aging, but biological aging. In other words, how these extra years will be lived in good health rather than with chronic diseases that hinder productivity.

Let’s Invest in Our Arteries

Using an extremely clear economic analogy, Mr. Deanfield explains the importance of early prevention.

“It’s like saving for your retirement. No one would wait until they’re 64 to start saving for retirement and consider that a good strategy. And yet, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing with our health up until now. “We need to learn to invest in our arteries in exactly the same way we invest in our pensions—early, systematically, and before problems arise,” he said.

As he explains, if a 59-year-old worker manages to remain just as productive as he was at age 49, the contribution to the country’s GDP is enormous, while at the same time reducing the prohibitive cost of treating chronic conditions.

The Strategic Advantage of Cyprus and the GESY

Referring to Cyprus, Professor Deanfield appeared particularly optimistic, noting that the youth of the General Health System (GESY) and the small size of the country are comparative advantages rather than weaknesses.

Unlike “giants” such as the UK’s NHS, where structures and mindsets are deeply entrenched and difficult to change, Cyprus has a flexible and dynamic system. This allows Cyprus to implement smarter, faster, and more effective prevention strategies, linking new medical advances with early intervention in the population.

Obesity and Smoking

When asked where he would advise Cypriot policymakers to start “tomorrow morning,” the professor identified two major scourges facing the island as immediate priorities.

The first concerns obesity, which requires a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, supporting individuals who are affected, and on the other, addressing the societal structures that contribute to the rise of obesity.

The second issue concerns high smoking rates. Cyprus continues to have alarmingly high rates of traditional cigarette smoking, particularly among the male population, a fact that directly impacts health and, by extension, the economy.

The GLP-1 Revolution

Of particular interest is his take on new anti-obesity drugs (such as GLP-1 agonists). Despite their high cost, Professor Deanfield believes they are radically changing the practice of medicine.

Beyond weight loss, clinical studies show that GLP-1 drugs reduce heart attacks and strokes by 20%, in addition to the weight loss itself.

As he points out, a system like the National Health System (GESY) must view these medications not merely as weight-loss tools, but as powerful tools for protecting the cardiovascular system, thereby reducing overall healthcare costs in the long term.

The Misunderstood Concept of “Harm Reduction”

Responding to criticism of the harm reduction strategy —with the argument that it weakens the message of completely quitting harmful habits—the cardiologist said, “We often think of illness in binary terms: either you’re sick or you’re not. However, we all live in an environment where we are exposed to small, cumulative effects on our health from our behaviors (smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol). Small, consistent, and sustainable improvements early in life offer enormous benefits in delaying or preventing future diseases. “We don’t always try to eliminate something, such as cholesterol, but rather to bring it to a better, safer level.”

The New “Social Contract”

Healthcare financing worldwide is heading toward a crisis because of our success in living longer. To avert this crisis, Professor Deanfield proposes a new contract between the state and the citizen.

The healthcare system will continue to treat illnesses and cover their costs, but citizens themselves must take responsibility for their own health, feeling empowered and—why not?— rewarded for maintaining good health.

“The most important asset for you and your family is your health. You can’t shift the responsibility entirely onto doctors. You have to take ownership of your health. That’s also the best legacy you can leave your children,” he concludes.

Watch the full interview with Professor John Deanfield in the video below: