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Govt. drops ball on diabetic health

Nov 14, 2015 News

…More attention needed in face of high mortality rate- PPP    
Today is World Diabetes Day under the theme, “Health Living and Diabetes.”
Recently, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic opposition hosted a press conference which focused on health issues facing Guyana.
At that forum, shadow Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, expressed grave disappointment as he put forward his view that the new government has dropped the ball on diabetic health care and prevention. In this regard he called on the government to do more in addressing the high prevalence of diabetics in Guyana.
Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease.
Dr. Anthony recalled that during the budget deliberations the PPP was asked to approve $81.2M for a chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance.
He pointed out that months later, the opposition and the rest of the nation are still awaiting the outcome of that survey. Dr. Anthony told the media that he wishes to know when the survey started? Whether or not it has been completed? Where are the findings? And how were the findings being used to craft next year’s program in Chronic Non Communicable Diseases?
He said that the survey is an important tool, the results of which can give a better understanding of Chronic Non Communicable diseases.
Dr. Anthony told the media that it seems to him that the Ministry of Public Health has abandoned “giving serious technical leadership in these matters and is more comfortable doing walks to raise awareness.”
He said that while awareness is vital, the technical work is equally or even more important.
Dr. Anthony added that there is much work to be done in Diabetes. The International Diabetic Federation estimates that there are 60,000 diabetics in Guyana. Approximately 62 per 1000 persons ages 20 to 79  are diabetic and approximately 15 per 1000 person ages 20 to 79  who are diabetic remain undiagnosed.
Dr. Anthony noted too, that Guyana has an estimated prevalence of 14.26 percent—one of the highest in the Caribbean with the annual mortality rate being 1,025 persons.
The PPP spokesperson on health said that in order to reduce the prevalence, Guyana has to aim to reduce the incidence of new cases.  He said that one of the most effective ways is to get people to adopt a healthy lifestyle since that can prevent up to 70 percent of type2 diabetes.
Dr. Anthony said that the consumption of fruits, vegetables and lean meats can help. He told the media that the Ministry of Public Health needs to move to promote healthy living.
In doing, Dr. Anthony said that the Ministry has to provide nutritional counseling services at every hospital as well as therapy.  He said that some healthy living programs also need to be developed.
Dr. Anthony also recommended an expansion of the Diabetic Foot Clinic and said that there needs to be an all-time availability of Glucometers for each diabetic patient with monthly supplies.
Even further, Dr. Anthony said that the Ministry has to make available ophthalmologists services for diabetic patients.

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