Some of this is clearly attributable to economic disadvantage, but the differences in health status are more pronounced that would be expected on that basis.
A few aspects of Scottish health policy, such as surrogacy remain reserved powers of the UK government.
It provides healthcare to all permanent residents free at the point of need and paid for from general taxation.
[4] High rates of alcohol related illnesses pose a major public health challenge for Scotland.
One possible explanation is that the change in the limit may not have been enforced or publicised sufficiently to have the expected effect in reducing accidents.
[11] The legislation was subject to legal challenges by alcohol trade bodies including the Scotch Whisky Association but was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
Recent research[13] has shown Scotland has had a larger number of drug deaths than the United States, which was thought to be the highest in the world.
According to the Guardian newspaper, the increase in drug deaths in recent years are due to benzodiazepines, heroin and ecstasy.
[20] Scotland is also looking to trial a dedicated mental health ambulance service, following success of a similar scheme in Sweden.