News

The Ministry of health is hoping to adopt a Chronic Care Model Project as part of its campaign in addressing chronic non-communicable diseases or CNCD’s in Dominica.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is providing technical support to the island in implementing this project.

On Wednesday May 16, 2012 the Health Promotion Unit and the PAHO staged a one day workshop which provided health care providers with current information on CNCD’S and how they could improve the quality of care provided to people with CNCD’s.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Helen Royer described the workshop as useful.

“It is important to note that self management and empowerment of people with chronic diseases are the key factors for success in service development.”

Royer stressed however that in order for patients to play their role health care providers must constantly provide basic information about their disease.

The Health official noted that promoting the development of self monitoring skills and encouraging members of the health team, family, friends and community members is important.

She said this will assist in allowing patients to feel confident in the self monitoring and self management process.

The Ministry of Health is hoping that with the adoption of this Chronic care model it will better serve people with CNCD’S especially those with disabilities to facilitate their integration into the community and to empower them to become more responsible.

The Government of Dominica through its Health Ministry has taken active efforts in development of community based care services through the primary care health system for people with chronic problems.

Recently the Ministry of health launched its CNCD policy draft and commenced work on the strategic Plan for CNCD’s which seeks to give special attention to many of the components highlighted in this chronic care model project.

Helen Royer said “by adopting this model, Dominica will be joining countries around the world that have already initiated this project and will be consistent with the International standards that have been set”.

“This will provide Dominicans with a chronic care passport which will assist in keeping track of health problems and taking the necessary actions to address them…Royer said.

The Health official emphasized that while much has been achieved there still remains much more to be done to maintain high standards for care in Dominica.

Wednesday’s workshop was facilitated by Advisor on Chronic Disease and Mental Health at PAHO Dr.Tomo Kanda who will work with Dominica on this project for the next eighteen months.

Last year five countries in the Caribbean including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St.Lucia and Anguilla conducted a similar project.