分类： health

The 2023/2024 national budget has earmarked a historic $8.214 billion for the health sector, marking the largest allocation in recent years. While this figure falls slightly behind the $8.766 billion allocated to education and training, it represents a significant increase from the previous year’s $7.409 billion. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo detailed the allocation during his budget presentation on October 13, highlighting key investments such as $35 million for refurbishment, $45 million for facility upgrades, $60 million for critical medical equipment, $20 million for cardiac care, $100 million for dialysis, and $10 million for orthopedic and eye surgeries. Notably, the Couva Medical and Multi-Training Facility will be repurposed as the Couva Children’s Hospital, with rehabilitation efforts supported by a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the San Fernando Hospital will receive a new catheterization lab, the Port of Spain central block is set to become operational by March 2026, and the Sangre Grande Hospital will be commissioned this year. Thirty-seven clinics will also be equipped with new dental service tools. Minister Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing wait times for life-saving procedures, stating, ‘Faster care saves lives.’ The digitization of the National Health Management Information System is progressing, with plans to introduce a secure Health ID, a Medical Malpractice Court, a No Fault Compensation Fund, and a revised Patients’ Charter. However, critics like Dr. Neil Singh, former president of the Medical Board, labeled the budget as ‘window dressing,’ arguing that it prioritizes tertiary care over primary and secondary healthcare needs. Singh highlighted systemic issues such as outdated medications, insufficient facilities, and long wait times for surgeries. He also criticized the focus on dialysis, suggesting that better primary healthcare could reduce the need for such treatments. The TT National Nursing Association president, Idi Stuart, welcomed initiatives like the Medical Malpractice Court but expressed concerns over the lack of timelines and implementation details. Stuart urged the government to address critical issues such as patient-to-nurse ratios and the establishment of a National Health Insurance System.

October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding and support for mental health issues. Clinical and organisational psychologist Kelly Mc Farlane underscores the significance of this observance, noting that mental health challenges can affect anyone, whether through stress, loss, or anxiety. These issues impact individuals, families, workplaces, and communities in both positive and negative ways. Mc Farlane emphasizes that understanding mental health is the first step toward protecting it, and global observances like World Mental Health Day on October 10 provide opportunities for collective reflection and practical change. This year’s theme, ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ is particularly relevant in the Caribbean, where natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic have left lasting emotional scars. Mc Farlane highlights the need for increased awareness of available mental health resources, including public sector clinics and hospital mental health departments. She acknowledges that while stigma around mental health is decreasing, it remains a significant barrier to care. Social support, she notes, plays a crucial role in recovery, and she advocates for more campaigns and education to reduce stigma. Mc Farlane also points to encouraging trends, such as increased openness to mental health conversations among younger people and men. For those hesitant to seek help, she advises starting the conversation with someone they trust or a mental health professional. Dietitian Dana Chong adds that nutrition plays a vital role in mental health, with foods like green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and walnuts boosting brain health. She warns against the negative effects of poor nutrition and processed foods, recommending a balanced diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics. Chong also stresses the importance of hydration and cautions against excessive caffeine and sugar intake. As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, both Mc Farlane and Chong urge individuals to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.

Michelle Clement, a dedicated police officer for 15 years, faced a life-altering moment in October 2022 when she was diagnosed with stage 4, grade 2 invasive lobular carcinoma, a form of breast cancer that had spread to both breasts and her lymph nodes. The news initially plunged her into fear and uncertainty, but Clement chose to lean on her faith and resilience to fight the disease. ‘The first thought that came to my mind was that I was going to die and leave my family behind,’ she recounted. However, she made a conscious decision to choose hope over despair, reminding herself that her faith in God was stronger than any medical diagnosis. Clement’s cancer was hormone receptor-positive, which opened up treatment options that have helped slow the progression of the disease and improve her quality of life. For her, every day is now a victory, and she celebrates small milestones with gratitude. Physically, the treatments have been grueling, leaving her tired, weak, and nauseous. Emotionally, she struggled with the thought of her family’s future without her. Yet, spiritually, she found strength in her faith, holding onto the belief that God’s strength is made perfect in her weakness. Clement’s journey has brought her closer to her family, especially her daughters, Clay-Ann and Chloe, who have been her pillars of support. Clay-Ann, 18, and Chloe, 21, have both been inspired by their mother’s courage and resilience. ‘She is, without a doubt, one of the strongest people I’ve ever known,’ Chloe said. Clement hopes her story will encourage others to prioritize regular screenings and early detection. ‘Cancer is not a death sentence,’ she emphasized. ‘Even at stage 4, you can still live a full, meaningful, and joyful life.’ She urges families facing similar challenges to stay positive, do their research, and surround themselves with uplifting people. Clement dreams of a future where cancer has a cure and looks forward to seeing her children graduate, get married, and start families of their own. Her message to women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is clear: ‘Cancer is a word, not the end of your story.’

Furillo Narine, a 39-year-old from Couva, Trinidad, never imagined that a small lump in his chest would change his life forever. Initially dismissing it as insignificant, it was only after a playful moment with his son and his wife’s insistence that he sought medical advice. In August 2022, Narine was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, a condition he didn’t believe could affect men. His disbelief turned to shock when the diagnosis escalated to stage 3A after the cancer spread to his lymph nodes. Undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy, Narine’s battle was grueling. The emotional toll of losing his hair and a near-fatal sepsis episode during his final chemotherapy session marked the darkest moments of his journey. Yet, through it all, his wife Joanne Sinanansingh remained his pillar of strength. Post-recovery, Narine left his corporate career to start his own business, The Mac Man TT, focusing on online sales and tech support. More importantly, he prioritized his health and family, reclaiming precious moments with his loved ones. Narine now uses his story to raise awareness that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, urging men to seek medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms. His journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the importance of redefining life’s priorities.