Newton outlines goals of Ministry of Health
Saturday May 06 2006
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Elvis Newton said that in the short and long term his ministry intends to strengthen overall public health care.
He said that these goals will specifically strengthen the capacity to manage the various programmes at the community and hospital levels. He added that this will enable individuals to take better care of their health which may include taking measures to avoid obesity thus preventing the onset of diabetes and hypertension.
Newton also emphasised that the ministry will focus on training and outreach programmes. He informed that the Health Ministry will soon launch a National Diabetes Passport that will enable the health providers and the patients to monitor and better manage their condition. The Health Permanent Secretary said the document is exciting and will be used throughout the health centres in St. Kitts and Nevis.
He noted that strategies to combat HIV/AIDS are continuing.
He elaborated that his ministry will continue working in the provision of care, treatment and support as well as toward creating specifically targeted public service interventions for certain subgroups of the society.
Research is another area, being carried out by the Ministry of Health. Newton stressed that the continued support from the general public was welcomed and that while the gaps in health care were acknowledged it was critical that the general public continue to work with the ministry and do their part in reducing those gaps.
© SUN Printing & Publishing LTD 2003-2004. All Rights Reserved.
