Caribbean Institute of Nephrology Lauded By Chairman of WRHA

Chairman of the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), George Duncan, has praised the work of the Caribbean Institute of Nephrology for the role it is playing in educating and empowering citizens, as they fight against hypertension.

Addressing the opening of a 7^th annual International Conference on Nephrology and Hypertension at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James, on January 29, Mr. Duncan said the work of the institute is more respected, based on the fact that researches have shown that non-communicable diseases continue to be a leading cause of death among citizens of the Caribbean, including Jamaica.

He said discussions and decisions taken at the three-day conference, which is being held under the theme: ‘Sustainability through Education’, will ensure that the fight against these diseases continues in a more sustained way.

“Our research has shown that non-communicable diseases contribute greatly to the fatality rate within our nation and that this can be greatly reduced with targeted interventions, both from the Governmental and individual level. It is at the gathering of the most brilliant medical minds, such at this conference, that solutions and recommendations emerge that frame the policy decisions that are made regarding the delivery of health care to the people of our country,” Mr. Duncan said.

The Chairman argued that the role the institute is playing in delivering public education to civil society in fighting kidney diseases, is a step in the right direction in trying to get a unified approach to the issue, and that at the Western Regional Health Authority, very decisive steps are being taken as part of the campaign in the fight against kidney diseases.

“By turning the spotlight on educating civil society, academia and the wider medical field on how to implement strategies to slow or stop the progression of kidney disease, we must foster a unified approach. Within the Western Region, our approach as administrators of health care is multi-faceted, to include infrastructure development, healthy lifestyle promotion and a renewed thrust for partnerships,” Mr. Duncan said.

“This is evident in our newly completed haemodialysis unit at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, which will greatly assist in treating the increasing number of persons being treated for kidney failure. We have also endorsed various programmes, especially among our large workforce, and incorporated physical activities and healthy lifestyle practices in their daily routine,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Duncan is inviting the Caribbean Institute of Nephrology to partner with the Western Regional Health Authority in getting more kidney transplants done for patients.

He said the WRHA is open to partnering with individuals and groups from across the world to give back and change the lives of patients, pointing out that the facilities are in place to make that a reality.