Diabetes incurs an annual cost of around $145 million in Fiji, raising concerns about its economic implications. Dr. Devina Nand, the Head of Wellness at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, emphasizes the pressing need for economic interventions to combat the rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, which poses significant challenges to public health.
Dr. Nand pointed out that diabetes greatly affects the quality of life for individuals and diminishes the country’s overall productivity. The substantial cost reflects not just medical expenses but also productivity losses due to premature death, absenteeism, and presenteeism—the phenomenon where individuals are physically present at work yet underperforming due to health issues.
Furthermore, she highlighted that the cost associated with diabetes care is approximately 3.2 times higher than the average healthcare expenditure per capita, and this figure escalates nearly 19.4 times when complications arise.
Dr. Nand’s call to action serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to address diabetes and its broader economic impact. By tackling this health crisis head-on, Fiji can work towards a healthier populace and a more productive economy.
In a positive light, this situation opens doors for innovative public health initiatives and community engagement strategies that could lead to better health outcomes and enhanced quality of life for many Fijians. It serves as a clarion call for stakeholders to prioritize health investments that could yield long-term benefits for both individuals and the economy.
Leave a comment