Chief Medical Officer, Dr. The Most Honourable Kenneth George, has highlighted some of the major challenges faced by countries in reorienting their health systems post COVID-19.
Dr. George provided insight on primary healthcare for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, and outlined innovative approaches to address these challenges on Thursday, at the SIDS Ministerial Conference on NCDs and Mental Health, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
In addition, the Chief Medical Officer emphasised the importance of community-based responses involving the Ministry of Health and civil society. “… We need to have well human resourced and financed community-based programmes that bring healthcare directly to where people live and where people work….
“This approach ensures that healthcare is easily accessible and reaches all members of society, including traditionally marginalised groups, such as the young, disabled, and elderly,” he said.
Dr. George highlighted the need to expand health promotion, and underscored the importance of empowering individuals with the necessary knowledge. “We need to expand our health promotion base, with a view to increasing the health literacy of our population.” This, he continued, will enable individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
He identified investing in a well-trained workforce, and early interventions for NCDs and mental health as crucial. He added that equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary training, skills, and tools would result in improved outcomes and better management of these conditions.
The Chief Medical Officer also emphasised the importance of improving diagnostic capacity and capabilities within primary care facilities. “For example, routine use of HbA1c testing, and the transition from pap smear to molecular testing for HPV, as is recommended by PAHO and WHO,” he noted.
Dr. George also highlighted several innovative approaches that have been planned, or implemented to overcome these challenges. He identified the school nutrition policy as one such initiative, which aims to ensure that children receive healthy and balanced meals, promoting their overall well-being.
Additionally, he spoke highly of the National Drug Benefits Scheme, under the Barbados Drug Service, saying it ensures affordable and accessible medication for the population.
During his presentation, the Chief Medical Officer discussed the feasibility of manufacturing vaccines and other biological agents locally. This initiative, he said, aims to address vaccine inequity and strengthen the country’s response to future pandemics.