The annual expenditure on diabetes in Fiji stands at approximately $145 million, a pressing concern raised by Dr. Devina Nand, the Head of Wellness at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Dr. Nand emphasizes the importance of economic interventions in addressing the escalating issue of Type 2 diabetes, which not only poses a significant public health challenge but also detrimentally affects the nation’s overall productivity and quality of life.
Dr. Nand highlights that the financial burden of diabetes encompasses productivity losses due to mortality, absenteeism, and presenteeism—where employees are on the job but unable to perform at their full potential due to health issues. This issue is exacerbated by escalating healthcare costs related to diabetes care, which is at least 3.2 times higher than the average healthcare expenditure per capita, and can soar to 19.4 times in cases involving complications.
She poses a critical question: if this alarming statistic does not compel decisive action, what will?
This information serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders in Fiji to prioritize health initiatives and preventative strategies to mitigate the impact of diabetes on society.
As the conversation surrounding diabetes evolves, there is hope for future preventative measures, public health policies, and community awareness campaigns that can help reduce the incidence of this chronic disease and its associated costs. Encouraging proactive health management and education can pave the way for a healthier and more economically stable Fiji.
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