MEN in the most deprived parts of Glasgow can only expect 44 years of a healthy life according to the latest statistics.

The finding of the report, which show rising levels of inequality after a period of reduction, are ‘shameful’ according to the British Medical Association Scotland as it called for greater action from governments and councils.

The difference between the most and least deprived areas of Scotland for a healthy life expectancy among men is 26 years.

Men in the poorest parts of the country, which include many communities in Glasgow, can expect to live healthily until they are 43.9 years old.

In the least deprived communities the figure is 69.8%

For women the gap was only slightly narrower but still a wide difference at more than 20 years at 49.9 years compared to 72 in the least deprived.

The latest report into health inequalities shows healthy life expectancy is falling in the most deprived areas.

It also show an increase in premature death to the highest level since 2008.

The rate of people being treated in hospital for a heart attack is twice as high in the most deprived areas than in the least deprived.

And analysis of cancer deaths in the same age group show people in the poorest areas twice as likely to die than in the wealthiest.

Alcohol related hospital admissions are six times higher on the most deprived areas than in the least deprived.

Dr Peter Bennie, BMA Scotland Chairman, said, said: “These latest statistics show that efforts to tackle health inequalities still have a long, long way to go.

“The gap in healthy life expectancy between our most and least deprived communities is stark and should shame us as a society.

“Far greater action is needed to address Scotland’s health inequalities. That means stronger public health measures to address issues like obesity and alcohol misuse, but it also requires action to address problems like low pay, poor educational outcomes, and inadequate housing.

“We cannot keep letting more years pass without stronger action from every level of government to address these persistent inequalities.”