The annual cost of diabetes in Fiji is estimated to be around $145 million. Dr. Devina Nand, the Head of Wellness at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, is advocating for economic interventions to address this significant public health challenge. Dr. Nand emphasizes that Type 2 diabetes not only affects individual quality of life but also diminishes the economic productivity of the nation.
This financial burden includes productivity losses attributed to death, absenteeism, and presenteeism, where workers are physically present but unable to perform effectively due to health issues. Dr. Nand points out that the expenditure on diabetes care is over 3.2 times higher than the average national healthcare spending and escalates nearly 19.4 times when complications arise.
Dr. Nand poses a challenging question: “If this doesn’t motivate us to act, then what will?” Her call to action signals the urgency for systemic change to combat the diabetes epidemic in Fiji.
This article highlights an important public health concern that, while grave, also serves as a rallying point for communities and policymakers to take proactive measures. There is hope for effective change through health education, community engagement, and improved healthcare strategies aimed at preventing and managing diabetes. By fostering an environment that prioritizes wellness, Fiji could not only reduce the burden of diabetes but also enhance the overall quality of life for its people.
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