Category Public Advisory

New guidelines launched to address heart disease and stroke. 

The Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr Meciusela Tuicakau launched the third edition of the cardiovascular therapeutic guidelines which will provide a holistic approach to the management of cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke) in the country.

It has been established that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of premature mortality in Fiji, therefore the development of a standard guideline is important to ensure consistent treatment of all patients in the country.

Unlike the first two editions (1999, 2006) this new third edition incorporates the non-pharmacological aspects of treatment of cardiovascular diseases to provide the reader with comprehensive treatment options for the patients.

The Acting Counsellor, Development and Cooperation Fiji and Tuvalu said “Given that cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of illness in Fiji, this document will be a useful guide for both public and private health workers in caring for cardiovascular suffers.

Dr Tuicakau while addressing the participants has called for support from its development partners to help address the burden of diseases.

“We have noted that the Health and Medical Services care cannot alone solve the issues, there is a definite need for the whole of government or multisectoral approach with NGOs, faith based organisations, professional bodies locally and overseas”, added Dr Tuicakau.

Dr Tuicakau thanked the Fiji Health Sector Support Program for providing the much needed support in the development of the guidelines which will eventually be made accessible to the health staff and others who need it.

Meanwhile medical officers from around the pacific gathered in Suva to discuss issues pertaining to the provision of health services regionally.

Health devices plan to combat Anti-Microbial Resistance.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has begun consultations with stakeholders to formulate strategies to combat the emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of microbes to grow in the presence of a chemical (drug) that would normally kill them or limit their growth. Antimicrobial resistance makes it harder to eliminate infections from the body as existing drugs become less effective.

The Acting Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr Meciusela Tuicakau opened a two day National Anti-Microbial Resistance Workshop at Warwick Hotel where stakeholders have gathered to develop a comprehensive multi-sectoral national action plan on AMR.

The workshop looked at ways to strengthen laboratory capacity, surveillance and resources to manage AMR.

Meanwhile the Global Action Plan on AMR was endorsed at the 68th World Health Assembly where the member states were urged to develop national action plans by May 2017.

In response, Fiji has proposed establishing a national committee on AMR this year.

The International Women’s Association Fiji (IWA) has generously donated vital trauma equipment to the Accident and Emergency department of CWM Hospital in Suva. To show their appreciation, three A&E doctors including Dr Lavinesh, Dr Anne and Dr Becky (pictured) demonstrated the new equipment through a skit on “patient” Eddie (a medical student from FNU). The doctors further emphasized how grateful they were to receive the lifesaving kits from IWA, stating that the equipment received was essential to any A&E department.

Health Ministry committed to eliminate Lymphatic Filarisis

Mere Rainima of WHO in discussion with Dr Mike Kama of MOH at the launch of the hydrocelectomy project.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), launched the surgical intervention of Lymphatic Filariasis at Labasa hospital yesterday.

The Hon. Assistant Minister for Health & Medical Services Mrs Veena Bhatnagar said that approximately 140 hydrocele surgeries were conducted annually since 2010 and through the mass drug administration and other concerted effort, the endemic status has been brought to less that 1% in majority of the medical divisions in Fiji.

“The Ministry of Health advises people with symptoms of the disease to present themselves to health facilities so that they can be assisted with surgical interventions”.

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful disfiguring disease. While the infection is usually acquired in childhood, its visible manifestations occur later in life, causing temporary or permanent disability.

The disease is caused by three species of thread-like nematode worms, known as filariae – Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori.

Filarial infection can cause a variety of clinical manifestations, including lymphoedema of the limbs, genital disease (hydrocele, chylocele, and swelling of the scrotum and penis) and recurrent acute attacks, which are extremely painful and are accompanied by fever.

While the Health Ministry concentrates on the surgical interventions, the WHO has committed to provide technical support in the efforts to eliminate the disease.

Through this initiative the Health Ministry is in the final phase of the mass drug administration campaign with the hope to eliminate the disease in the not too distant future.

Outgoing Cuban Ambassador meets Mr Usamate.

The outgoing ambassador of Cuba Her Excellency Mrs Maria del Carmen Herrera Caseiro   made a courtesy call on the Minister for Health and Medical services Mr Jone Usamate last week. Fiji and Cuba entered into diplomatic relations in 2003. Cuba has one of the best systems in the health sector globally, and offers government scholarships to Fijian Students to study medicine and surgery (MBBS). Currently 8 fijian students are studying in Cuba.