The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville says the government remains committed to the construction of a state-of-the art hospital in Grand Bahama.

Speaking at the opening of World Diabetic Month, Dr Darville said that findings of the Dorsett Report indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the infrastructure at the Rand Memorial Hospital and at primary care facilities in east and west Grand Bahama.

He said the new hospital is not only needed to deliver efficient co-ordinated healthcare services to the residents of the northern Bahamas, but will also be used to attract a new niche market in the form of medical tourism, generate revenue, stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians.

“Healthcare is an essential service that cannot be taken for granted and this administration remains committed to strengthening the primary and tertiary healthcare infrastructure on Grand Bahama,” he said.

Diabetes is prevalent in the Bahamas and is a leading cause of death.

Dr Darville said the disease is now responsible for 29.2 deaths per 100,000 persons a year, making it the fifth leading cause of death in all age groups in the Bahamas.

He said the Bahamas Diabetes Association revealed that more than 35,000 Bahamians have diabetes, and the economic burden related to this chronic non-communicable disease is estimated to be more than $150 million annually.

Dr Darville said diabetes is linked to diet, nutrition, and lifestyle. He said the prevention and reduction of this dreaded disease deserves the full and collective attention of the government, medical practitioners, and the public.

He reported that roughly 10 per cent of the population of the Bahamas is classified as being diabetic and on oral medication.

“We must be very concerned with the incidents of obesity in our country, particularly among young people,” the minister warned.

Dr Darville noted that a recent epidemiological study estimated that around 70 per cent of Bahamians are now classified as overweight.

This presents a major concern for healthcare providers throughout the country, he said.

Dr Darville commended Nurse Nicole Bain and the World Diabetic Month Committee for raising the awareness about the disease throughout Grand Bahama, and for educating patients and healthcare providers on best practices in the overall management of the medical service in Grand Bahama.

He urged health care providers on the island to assist the nurses and support groups which focus on preventative care and the implementation of best practices in medical therapies for patients.

The World Diabetic Month Committee, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Florida, held a two day Diabetes Conference and exhibition at Pelican Bay Hotel. A Walk for Diabetes will place on Saturday, November 23.