Health professional across Fiji have begun taking Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN) seriously to establish Continuing Professional development.

POLHN was created in 2003 in partnership with Pacific Health Ministries and the World Health Organisation to ensure the availability of high quality training and education resources for health professionals, in order to improve health and health services in the region through online learning.

Purpose:

1)     Evaluation of Operational Procedures and Processes through formal and informal review/reporting, using monitoring and evaluation tools covering 2009 – 2012 health reform period.

2)     Map current status and implement improved overall healthcare efficiency in all areas of operations in 2013, viz a viz, public health, clinical, pharmaceutical, administrative, diagnostic services (Radiology/Laboratories) and corporate governance.

Non-communicable diseases are called lifestyle diseases. These diseases are generally chronic (long term) and last our lifetime. Meaning, that as long as we live, we will continue to suffer from these diseases.  We can only control the symptoms by taking regular medication and changing our lifestyles to a healthy one with regular physical activity and healthier diets.

“We will promote the use of standards to strengthen production of high quality local foods and agricultural products and to facilitate trade, develop and strengthen the existing research & development capacity to increase local food production and reduce reliance on imported food, develop & promote new healthy food products including snacks, strengthen the capacity and outreach of extension services to farmers and to promote sustainable intensified production of safe and nutritious food and agricultural products”

“The idea that we are pushing through is if we are to make a real impact then we have to market health like Coca Cola markets their product, like Chow markets their product.

“That’s the way to go for us.”

The world is rapidly urbanizing with significant changes in our living standards, lifestyles, social behaviour and health. Thirty years ago, 4 out of every 10 people were living in cities, but by 2050 this number will grow to 7 out of 10.

But it must be clarified that just because certain staff are sharing Bible verses with patients that it is the policy of the Ministry of Health, as has been the slant taken by certain media outlets.

For further information: Iliesa Tora – 8327941, 7390873, 3221436

THE Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education will roll out the National Micronutrient Supplementation Program in primary schools around the country from next week.

When we think cancer, we think of death and dying. Collectively we need to review the subject from a different perspective. One needs to understand the impact of cancer on individuals, communities, society and nation. The need to reduce the burden of cancer is truly wanting at all levels.

Our health reform which took root in 2009 has its own issues which are being addressed according to our national needs without delay. With fewer than 3% of the GDP we have had universality of cover, unlike USA. Our cover needs to raise its standards several fold to be worthy of praise. The first steps have been undertaken.

Mortuaries remain an integration component of healthcare delivery in Fiji. The services have remained a free of charge item with unlimited timeline to duration. But Health spokesman Iliesa Tora said the Ministry of Health is looking at some options as it works on tackling the mortuary issue.

The Ministry of Health is once again reminding members of the public to adhere to health advise given out to stop the spread of water-borne diseases.

The initiation of computerization of services at these identified centers is a positive step towards upgrading Pharmaceutical service provision, mostly servicing of outpatient prescriptions and inpatient medication orders, at smaller hospitals and health centers.

THE Fiji Heart Foundation will look after the operation of the Cath Lab at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and organize fundraising and programs that will ensure the sustainability of the lab in the country.

MEMBERS of the communities have been asked to help clean up their own compounds and surroundings as the Ministry of Health targets mosquito breeding areas in a bid to prevent dengue fever.