Santo Domingo.- Dominican health tourism continues to solidify its position within our national brand and export portfolio. The combination of skilled medical professionals, cutting-edge technologies, and modern infrastructure paves the way for sustained growth. A recent example of collaboration in this endeavor is the inter-institutional agreement signed between Médico Express and Caribbean Health TPA to promote medical tourism and telemedicine.

Alejandro Cambiaso, executive president of Médico Express, and Rodolfo Núñez-Musa, medical director of Caribbean Health, disclosed that the agreement encompasses a range of services such as diagnostics, emergency care, specialized consultations, outpatient surgeries, ophthalmology, dentistry, orthopedics, pediatrics, and endoscopy, all accessible through Médico Express San Isidro’s international department.

Médico Express San Isidro stands out as an innovative outpatient health center, adhering to international standards, delivering high-quality medical services to both local residents and tourists.

Caribbean Health specializes in attracting patients from Caribbean islands to seek specialized medical care in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Núñez-Musa noted that over the past year, the company facilitated treatment for approximately one thousand patients from Turks and Caicos, Saint Martin, Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations.

Furthermore, as part of their strategy for remote patient care, recruitment, and monitoring, they have established Collaborative Telemedicine Centers (CTCs) across the Caribbean, providing assistance and second medical opinions, with collaboration from Médico Express.

The experts and signatories of the agreement emphasized that medical tourism in the Dominican Republic has seen steady growth year after year. This is attributed to the quality of services and the commitment to local training and international accreditation processes within member centers of the Dominican Tourism Association of Health (ADTS).

During the presentation of the awards at the Barbados Community College (BCC), Director of Corporate Banking, Barbados & OECS,CIBC Caribbean, Jeffrey Newton commended first-year student Rashawn Gibson, second-year student Kayli Jordan and third-year student Shannon Yarde for pursuing a career in nursing.

“It has to be a calling and a commitment to want to care for others the way nurses are called upon to do, and I commend the three of you, because in this fast-paced, technologically driven world today, it’s easy for young people to get caught up in the glitz and want to get in professions that are considered glamorous, and shun those that are not. That’s what we call nursing a calling… – you are there for people at their most vulnerable,” he said.

“Few people would see you on those nights when you are on duty and can’t sleep like the rest of us because you are taking care of sick people in your care, or dealing sometimes with an unpleasant side effect of people being ill, and worried. By enrolling in the Barbados Community College, you are giving a commitment to help others when they cannot help themselves, and that is a noble commitment.”

Director of Corporate Banking, Barbados & OECS, CIBC Caribbean, Jeffrey Newton. (HG)

The scholarships are each worth $2 000, and cover registration fees, books, and uniforms.

Newton said: “We are pleased to hear that all of the students that have been awarded to date, continue to maintain good GPAs and excellent overall performances, with the first group awarded in 2021 due to graduate this year. This is pleasing news for a sponsor.”

“This year, on advice from the college, the scholarships are distributed across the years of the programme. So we have a first-year, second-year, and third-year student; whereas in previous years they were awarded to all first-year students.”

Meanwhile, Head of the Nursing Department at BCC Dr Sonia Watson-Miller said she was pleased to see the scholarships continue.

“I am proud that this opportunity has continued since 2021. Our selection of the students was based on three categories, not only the academic performance but also their personality and any financial [assistance] that was needed. Our pass rate has been improving for the last five years, and last year we had the highest of 91 per cent. So our pass rate has been improving,” she said.

Gibson expressed gratitude that she was selected.

“I am truly honoured and never thought that I would be given this opportunity. It truly shows that hard work and dedication pays off, and it motivates me to continue to work harder and to make a difference in the field of nursing,” she said. 

“This scholarship will not only help to ease the financial burden, allowing students to focus mainly on their studies but also not to worry about the cost. I want to end my speech by encouraging more young persons, especially males, to get involved in the profession, as we need more persons in the field.” (SB)

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Breastfeeding mothers are advised to include a variety of foods in their daily diets, and increase their fluid intake or drink the recommended daily intake of water to stay hydrated

View the full post Nutrition and breastfeeding on NOW Grenada.

And the island’s top doctor has declared the COVID-19 pandemic that killed 650 Barbadians from more 100 000 cases is effectively over and the Ministry of Health has stopped vaccinating citizens.  

In an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY on Monday, Dr Kenneth George said: “We have put surveillance systems in place. We have trained several persons not particularly in public health with respect to managing unusual outbreaks.”

With tourists expected from both traditional and non-traditional markets, Dr George highlighted the government’s concerns regarding certain non-COVID diseases.

“There are other diseases of public health concern which we are monitoring,” he said. “We have made sure that our Barbados Drug Service has the appropriate drugs
available for the treatment of any cases of tuberculosis, malaria…because, when people travel, they travel sometimes with the disease.”

Despite the anticipated influx of foreign visitors during the prestigious tournament, the chief medical advisor expressed optimism about the public health situation. 

He said the outlook for the World Cup “is good”. 

“I don’t expect any major outbreak of any serious disease,” he said, emphasising the importance of proper food handling practices “to protect the food source for Barbadians and visitors alike”.

In a new development, Dr George reported that while “a few” COVID-19 cases emerge occasionally, there is currently “no active” vaccine programme related to the virus. 

“We haven’t given AstraZeneca vaccine for about 18 months. There has been no AstraZeneca vaccine on the market in Barbados for a while. The COVID pandemic is over…we still get a few cases, and there is no active vaccine in Barbados for COVID at the moment.”  

This revelation comes after AstraZeneca’s decision to withdraw its COVID-19 vaccine from further production, citing a shift in demand towards newer, updated vaccines due to the emergence of new variants. 

While the vaccine was estimated to have saved millions of lives from more than three billion doses, it has also been liked to rare, and sometimes fatal, blood clots.

Addressing the unavailability of COVID-19 vaccines in Barbados, Dr George explained: “We are not vaccinating people. The reason is that vaccines are very expensive, and the smaller markets were traditionally shut out. We had gotten a few offers of vaccine, but the vaccines were too close to the expiratory date; and we took a decision that we are not going to take vaccines from countries that wanted to offer vaccines to Barbados.”

The chief medical officer reiterated the ministry’s stance on administering only efficacious vaccines to Barbadians, considering factors such as expiry dates. 

“There are no [COVID] vaccines available in Barbados, period,” he declared.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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Azua, DR.- Residents in the Azua province voiced their opposition to the installation of thermoelectric vessels aimed at boosting energy production, citing concerns over polluting emissions.

Protesters gathered near Los Negros beach in Azua province, chanting slogans and holding candlelight vigils to mourn the environmental impact. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the presence of the vessels, denouncing them as harmful to the environment.

“Those who want the vessels can take them away,” and “The criminal vessels must be removed,” they exclaimed. The demonstrators marched to the beach, where the vessels are visible a few meters offshore, donning caps and shirts emblazoned with the slogan “No vessels in Los Negros.”

Environmental authorities granted permits in 2022 for the anchoring of two vessels, with the aim of increasing thermoelectric generation in the area from 180 MW to 400 MW. The permits were issued following an evaluation process, as stated by the firm in a statement released in March 2023.

Local residents have reported emissions of smoke and wastewater discharge from the vessels operated by the Turkish company Karadeniz Holding. “Human health is being compromised here. The ecology, mangroves, and marine species are all being affected,” remarked one protester.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health issued a warning urging the public to take precautions against respiratory issues as Saharan dust is expected to reach the area starting this weekend.

Emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, particularly for individuals with asthma, allergies, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions, the ministry explained that the phenomenon of Saharan dust is a regular occurrence preceding the cyclone season. This event leads to the formation of dust clouds, creating a simultaneously dry and humid atmosphere that heightens the risk of respiratory ailments, allergic reactions, and other health concerns.

Annually, typically between May and August, the dense cloud of Saharan dust descends upon the region, prompting heightened vigilance among those already susceptible to respiratory issues. Special attention is advised for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, pregnant and postpartum women, immunocompromised individuals, and other at-risk populations, as outlined in a press release by the Ministry of Public Health. Moreover, the ministry cautioned that the particles carried by the dust may cause temporary eye irritation.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health highlighted the concurrent occurrence of Saharan dust and recent rainfall across the national territory, posing an additional risk for outbreaks of diseases like dengue, leptospirosis, and acute diarrheal illnesses. To mitigate these risks, the ministry recommended staying hydrated, wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, using damp cloths to clean surfaces, and minimizing exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The event, held under the banner of the Rotary Club’s Health and Wellness Initiative, was spearheaded by the club’s president, Ermine Darroux-Francis. Rotary Club is one of the oldest in Barbados, boasting a proud 61-year history and a membership exceeding 110.

“We started at 9 a.m. and people were waiting to get tested. So, this in itself is a success for us,” Darroux-Francis told Barbados TODAY, adding that from early in the morning, Barbadians were lining up to take part in the event.

She expressed her satisfaction with the turnout, emphasising the importance of early detection in the fight against NCDs.

“Barbadians are responding, and this is good because we believe early detection and knowing your status is the first step to help fight NCDs,” she added.

The initiative, which started in September last year, saw Rotarians traversing all 11 parishes to conduct early screenings. The Rotary Club President explained that the decision to embark on this project stemmed from the alarming rates of NCDs reported by health authorities in the region. With a focus on early screening and raising awareness, the Rotary Club aimed to make a tangible difference in combating these diseases.

Reflecting on the broader spectrum of Rotary’s endeavours, Darroux-Francis highlighted their commitment to seven key areas of focus, including disease prevention and youth empowerment. “For us, the economic value of this particular project is more than $600,000,” she revealed, underscoring the club’s substantial investment in community health.

Acknowledging Rotary’s ongoing initiatives, particularly in youth development, Darroux-Francis outlined their Youth Elevation Scheme, conducted in collaboration with the Juvenile Liaison Scheme. “Our aim is to boost their confidence, enhance their communication and listening skills, and help them to think before they act,” she stated.

The event was a culmination of a nine-month-long endeavour by the Rotary Club of Barbados, dedicated to combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the community. (Photo by Ryan Gilkes)

In addition to youth-focused endeavours, the Rotary Club of Barbados extends its support to various community projects, ranging from disaster management to medical assistance. Their partnership with organisations such as the Child Care Board exemplifies their commitment to holistic community welfare.

Addressing concerns about the sustainability of their health initiatives, Darroux-Francis emphasised collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness and surgical and educational institutions. “We expect the project to continue and to provide support to the community,” she affirmed while highlighting the collaborative effort that underpinned the event’s success. 

Among the organisations taking part were Sagicor Life Inc, Ross University, the Blood Collection Centre of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Bayview Hospital and Laboratory, the Barbados Cancer Society, the Barbados Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Maria Holder Diabetes Center for the Caribbean, and the Diabetes and Hypertension Association, Wibisco and Pelican Produce. (RG)

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Santo Domingo.- The president of the Dominican College of Bioanalysts (CODOBIO) has called upon the intervention of the President of the Republic to address a series of grievances aimed at enhancing the conditions of her union.

María Esther Santos made her plea, stating, “We once again urge President Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona to receive us and consider the legitimate demands we have put forth. We seek solutions that will benefit our professional community.” This appeal was made during a meeting at the organization’s headquarters, attended by its Board of Directors.

Santos emphasized several critical demands on behalf of bioanalysts. These included a call for a 100% salary increase for those in the public sector and the provision of health insurance for retirees. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of ensuring adequate pensions with incentives and salary adjustments in the private sector.

Additional measures advocated by Santos encompassed the automatic implementation of incentives, the creation of new positions, and the reclassification of existing roles. Furthermore, she pushed for the application of a 14th salary, acknowledgment of master’s degrees and specialties, and access to suitable housing for professionals in the field.

Highlighting the significance of the role played by clinical laboratory professionals in both public and private settings, Santos expressed confidence that their demands would be given the due attention and diligence they merit.

The comprehensive list of demands presented to President Luis Abinader includes:

• A 100% salary increase for bioanalysts employed in the public sector, decentralized bodies, boards of trustees, and NGOs.
• Salary adjustments and review of retirement benefits for retired bioanalysts, particularly those with monthly incomes ranging between 8,000 and 15,000 pesos, alongside comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• Ensuring 100% decent pensions with incentives for tenure and the unification of job categories.
• Implementation of salary increases and adjustments for bioanalysts in the private sector.
• Automation of incentive applications for service time, distance, and border postings, ensuring acquired rights are implemented automatically.
• Facilitation of new appointments for bioanalysts.
• Continuation of position reclassification processes and designation changes.
• Implementation of a 14th salary.
• Recognition of master’s degrees and specialties for bioanalysts.
• Inclusion of bioanalysts in housing projects.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health (MSP), through its Directorate of Epidemiology (Diepi), has issued an epidemiological alert regarding floods, citing the heightened risk of diseases within affected populations.

Public Health authorities are urging the population to implement response and control measures to mitigate the risk of epidemic outbreaks.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of avoiding exposure to contaminated waters and environments during and after heavy rainfall to prevent diseases such as leptospirosis, respiratory infections, cholera, and others that are exacerbated by flooding.

Individuals are encouraged to utilize personal protective measures such as plastic boots and gloves if contact with contaminated environments is unavoidable.

Furthermore, citizens are advised against accumulating garbage and urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in homes and surrounding areas to prevent the proliferation of vectors such as rats and mosquitoes.

Additional recommendations include consuming only safe drinking water, either by boiling it for 15 minutes or by adding five drops of 5% bleach to each gallon of water before consumption. It is also advised to consume well-cooked foods and to properly wash fruits and vegetables.

The alert stresses the importance of hand hygiene, particularly after using the bathroom and before meals. Individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, general malaise, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, or bone pain are advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health center and refrain from self-medication.

Health personnel are instructed to promptly report any health events related to increased rainfall, and Provincial Directorates and Health Areas are tasked with disseminating the epidemiological alert within the local surveillance network, health centers, and other relevant sectors.