Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the HEART project, which was launched with the support of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), is aimed at reducing average blood pressure among patients to 140 over 90.
He said “fewer people were at risk of stroking out, or dying”, while delivering the feature address at the launch of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Primary Care Symposium, at Hilton Trinidad, St Ann’s, last week Tuesday.
Also present were senior health systems advisor Dr Stewart Smith, public relations officer T&TMA Dr Sandi Arthur, Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation PAHO/ WHO Country representative Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi and RHA CEOs including North Central Davlin Thomas, Garth Alexander TRNA, Angela Rampersad ERHA and SWRHA Anthony Blake. Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences Prof Terence Seemungal was also in attendance. NCDs include diabetes, cancer, mental health and hypertension.
IN FULL SUPPORT: Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh greets PAHO/WHO representative Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi at the Non-Communicable Diseases Primary Care Symposium held at Hilton Trinidad, Port of Spain. Looking on from left, are senior health systems advisor Dr Stewart Smith, NCD Director Dr Marcia Clapperton and public relations officer, T&TMA Dr Sandi Arthur.
Smith said the symposium was intended to “build capacity, since the presence of NCDs continue to challenge the quality of life”. They would examine topics like pap smear, breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes and chronic kidney care. Colombian national Francesconi said it was “important to stop the epidemic,” and that “About 70% of NCDs occur below the age of 70.” Clapperton said it was important to “empower healthcare professionals.” Clapperton said prevention and early detection would lower limb amputations. Consensus among the speakers was they wanted to “balance the burden of NCDs”.
They also paid kudos to the late ERHA CEO Ronald Tsoi-A-Fatt who died on May 14 after being ill for some time. His funeral took place on May 21 at the First Church of the Open Bible, Ruth Avenue, Les Efforts West, San Fernando.
A new drug to formulary
Deyalsingh said: “In the Hearts Programme, we take our diabetics (triage) and put them through a specialised programme dealing with hypertension. We give you a cut off of 140 over 90 and anything over that we give you special attention.”
He added: “In June 2023 to December 2023, 62 207 patients enrolled. And the percentage that went from 37% to 48%, represented a massive increase. So many people are less at risk of ‘stroking out’ or dying prematurely. We added a drug to the formulary and that followed the Hearts Programme as designed by PAHO. That made the world of difference.”
Deyalsingh also said: “ We have seen similar successes in diabetes/wellness clinics and coming in (don’t have the data) (with levels) of 14, 12. 10 and leaving us with 7 and 8. We are not getting the credit that we deserve but that is fine with me. I know our healthcare professionals do their very best at all five RHAs.”
Helps “financially
challenged”
On the benefits of accessing local healthcare including Chronic Assistance Disease Programme (CDAP), diabetic and cancer treatment and medication, Deyalsingh said: “Tell me which country in the world has that type of generous programme? I don’t know about you, but I cherish this public health system. I will continue to say it is one of the best in the world; especially for the “financially challenged.” I will continue to defend it. And when we do wrong and that happens occasionally, tell us (media/public). The narrative that is always painted about it, is one that is far from reality.”
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