BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PERSONS too busy to visit a doctor regularly will delight at the self-monitoring blood pressure equipment soon to be placed at Government Headquarters and the General Post Office.
The announcement was made earlier today (Apr. 8) at a ceremony in which the two machines were unveiled for public perusal and use. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis in response to the results of a 2008 health survey, which indicated an alarming prevalence of hypertension among residents of St. Kitts.
According to the St. Kitts STEPS Survey 2008, one in five persons has high blood pressure while one in three is borderline for the chronic illness. The survey targeted 1 443 adults ranging from 25 to 64 years of age.
Health Coordinator Petronella Edwards said the results of the survey portend badly for the wider community. She urged persons to take greater responsibility for their health and stressed that the machines are in no way an adequate replacement for regular check-ups and doctor visits.
She then did a walkthrough of the equipment and revealed its many features, which includes a chart detailing the differences among normal, ideal, pre-hypertension and raised blood pressure readings.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Elvis Newton noted that the project is the manifestation of three major Ministry’s goals that were outlined in the National Strategic Health Plan 2008 - 2013: tactical partnerships, an emphasis on prevention, and increased accessibility to health services. He revealed that plans are underway to place more self-monitoring machines around the island, especially in community centres and other highly-trafficked areas.
A representative from the Development Bank, as well as Minister of Health Hon. Rupert Herbert and Prime Minister and CARICOM Spokesman for Health, the Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, also addressed the crowd.
In his presentation, Dr. Douglas stated the project was a clear indication of the government’s “visionary stance” on healthcare.
“The launch of these machines indicates the government’s relentless effort to have a healthy population. It also emphasises our commitment to ensuring that St. Kitts and Nevis is not in any way regarded as a ‘backwards’ country.
“But most importantly, it shows the level of consideration that is given to the health of government employees. The government believes in servicing the needs of its civil servants so they can be effective and healthy inside and outside of the workplace,” declared Douglas.
