The Hon. Assistant Minister for Health & Medical Services Mrs Veena Bhatnagar has commended the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society at its Annual Conference for convening at a time where there is a need for improvements in delivery of services.
Health receives timely donation from ANZ Bank
Health receives timely donation from ANZ Bank
The Acting Permanent Secretary for Health & Medical Services Dr Meciusela Tuicakau received a cheque donation of $43,300.00 from ANZ Bank in Suva.
This money was raised by ANZ Bank during “pinktober”, the cancer awareness month that is held every year in October.
Dr Tuicakau said that the Health Ministry is grateful for this support and that the money will go towards Oncology.
Furniture to assist health staff
Furniture to assist health staff
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services and Diabetes Fiji continue to improve services and facilities for diabetic patients.
6 foot care couches, 5 foot rests and 5 dressing desks were dispatched to health facilities in Sigatoka, Lautoka and Ba.
The furniture is worth $900 and will provide relief to foot care trained nurses attending to diabetic patients.
Nurses in the central and western division have undergone foot care training and have graduated from this program. These nurses are equipped with tool kits also.
The Health Ministry continues to remind the public to ensure that they engage in a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet and getting exercise is one of the simplest ways to prevent diabetes from developing.
Dash for Diabetes a success
Dash for Diabetes a success
The Hon. Minister for Health and Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate was one of 270 active participants in Fiji’s first Dash for Diabetes. The event was held last Saturday in Suva to coincide with World Diabetes Day.
The inaugural 5km fun run, established by the Petero Civoniceva Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, raised money and awareness for the disease which affects almost 1 in 3 Fijians. The event attracted an impressive 270 participants, from serious athletes to families enjoying a day out together. After the race, the runners were entertained by various groups including Lei dancers, Inside Out band and Street Cheer Fiji.
Health: Antibiotics losing their effectiveness according to WHO
Health: Antibiotics losing their effectiveness according to WHO
The Hon. Minister for Health & Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate and The Director of Pacific Technical Support, WHO representative Dr Liu Yunguo launched the Antibiotic Week and the National Antimicrobial (AMR) Action Plan.
The theme for this year’s awareness week is “Handle With Care”. The threat of antibiotics losing their effectiveness has become so serious that the World Health Organisation has seen the need for a global campaign educating people on how to use antibiotics wisely.
Through a survey the Ministry of Health & Medical Services discovered that antibiotics were used inappropriately for viral illnesses such as colds and influenza.
“The goal of the Antibiotic Awareness week is to raise awareness about antibiotics resistance and change behaviours to improve the responsible use of antibiotics”, Mr Usamate said.
“For the public there are three basic rules of handling antibiotics. Firstly to always take the full prescription even if you feel better. Never share or use leftover antibiotics and never buy antibiotics without prescriptions”.
Speaking on the National Action Plan, Mr Usamate said that it will provide comprehensive strategic directions for the country.
The Minister for Health also thanked WHO for their technical assistance in the development of the National Action Plan.