Health Minister Jerry Narace says his ministry is working on establishing point-of- care testing at 20 healthcare facilities to augment the Government's efforts to reduce the occurrence of Chronic Non Communicable Diseases (CNCDs).
It is expected to come into effect by November. Narace also said it was necessary to address CNCDs since it accounted for four of the five leading causes of death in T&T. He made these comments while delivering the feature address at the launch of Caribbean Wellness Day and the Healthy Community Caravans at the Ministry of Health, Park Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
The ministry has partnered with PAHO to celebrate the 2009 Caribbean Wellness Day. Its theme is Move Into Shape. Narace said, "Health is working on establishing point-of-care testing at 20 facilities, starting in November and rolling it out within six months." He said this move was necessary because the role of the health care sector was not only curative and treatment oriented but involved patient counselling.
Among the areas where counselling was offered included health, nutrition, disease prevention and lifestyle changes to promote wellness. It was also intended to target tobacco use, abuse of alcohol, lack of physical activity, inappropriate diet and obesity. Communities which are expected to benefit from this month, included St Mary's Village, Bangladesh and Guaico/Tamana.
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The Ministry of Health is hosting its Wellness Fest and 5K Run/Walk at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, today. Participants can take advantage of free screening checks for body mass index (BMI), blood glucose sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, HIV and pap smears from 1 to 4 pm. The 5K Run/Walk starts opposite Memorial Park at 4.30 pm. Prime Minister Patrick Manning is expected to join the walk.