dominica2day: PM Skeritt addresses challenge of non communicable diseases

PM Skeritt addresses challenge of non communicable diseases
================================================================================
Sean Douglas, Govt. Press Sec. on 12 November, 2007 12:57:52
 
In an Address to the Nation at the Parade of Uniformed Groups on November 3,
2007, Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit lamented the prevalence of
Non-Communicable diseases here in Dominica and our region but also highlighted
the successes in controlling Communicable Diseases.
The Prime Minister spoke of the serious challenge posed by Non-Communicable
Diseases not only in the Caribbean region but in well developed countries as
well.
Hon. Skerrit then announced measures that will be implemented by his Government
to deal with what he called the “epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases”.
“While placing major emphasis on strengthening the healthcare services for
monitoring various risks among our people and screening the population at risk,
we will at the same time provide high levels of coverage with quality medical
and preventive care to avoid costly medical interventions.”
In September, 2007, Prime Minister Skerrit attended an historic CARICOM Heads
of Government Summit on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Trinidad. Meanwhile
the Prime Minister highlighted initiatives undertaken by his Government that
have contributed to the improvement and delivery of healthcare in Dominica “
…..
The establishment of the new Diagnostic centre in Portsmouth, the construction
of the Intensive Care Unit at the Princess Margaret Hospital and the ongoing
Miracle Eye-Care programme are clear indicators that we have made considerable
improvements in the overall improvement and delivery of healthcare to
Dominicans.”