Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham addressed the United Nations (UN) High-Level Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases in New York where he noted that non-communicable diseases are posing an increased burden on the health care system in The Bahamas.
The prime minister said that 60 percent of all deaths in the country are the result of non-communicable diseases and half the deaths of people 45 and older are also a result of non-communicable diseases.
He said 80 percent of drug costs for the country’s National Prescription Drug Plan is spent on treating the non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, adding that the health and socio-economic costs related to non-communicable diseases are enormous.
The prime minister said the government has partnered with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and faith-based organizations to conduct wellness programs in the community and on worksites.
He suggested an increase in regional and international budgetary allocations, policy changes for inter- sectoral involvement in non-communicable disease prevention initiatives and sharing of best practices in trade and industry, along with increasing access to training in policy formulation, monitoring, evaluation and coordination across health systems.
Ingraham noted that to control the rising numbers of people acquiring non-communicable diseases, efforts must be made to promote lifestyle changes and encourage healthy behaviors and eating habits among children.
