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Unhealthy living costing Government millions
7/31/2010
By Randy Bennett
It is costing the Government of Barbados between $35 to $40 million annually each year to treat persons with chronic diseases.
This word has come from Minister of Labour, Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo while speaking during the Barbados Vocational Training Board’s (BVTB) annual HIV and General Health Fair at the C. Lomer Alleyne Skills Training Center yesterday.
Minister Byer-Suckoo revealed that a 2005 report done by the World Health Organization showed that the total number of persons dying from chronic diseases was double that of all other infectious diseases.
She said that these high numbers had forced the implementation of new programmes in an effort to reduce the numbers of affected persons.
“In Barbados, chronic diseases account for approximately 65 per cent of all hospital admissions and cost the Drug Service an estimated $35 to $40 million on an annual basis. As a result the National Commission on Chronic Non-communicable Diseases has introduced its programme aimed at highlighting the importance of health and wellness to our national development. Healthy citizens contribute significantly to the stability of our country and can certainly maintain the already high ranking which Barbados enjoys in the Human Development Index,” she said.
Byer-Suckoo stressed the need for Barbadians to take better care of themselves, noting that we lived in an era where we were more aware of the many diseases around us and the problems which they caused, and therefore there was a need for more responsibility to be shown.
“We are a more enlightened people in 2010 and therefore recognise that many of the diseases that exist today can be delayed or prevented by a change in lifestyle. Yet today, many Barbadians are developing these chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease,” she observed.
“It is important for each of us to take a closer look at our own behaviour as it relates to our health. Think in terms of practising healthy habits as you can make a difference in your life. Reach out and make use of the opportunities to further educate yourself on the issues and then make a determined effort to get physical and eat healthier.”
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