Serious concerns have been raised by the Health Ministry about non-communicable diseases after the Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong revealed that more young Fijians are dying from NCDs.
While speaking at the opening of the Human Resource Development Program for Health Sector Training at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Dr Fong says from his understanding, the training aims to improve health services, policies and human resource management by strengthening the capacity of project makers and medical personnel.
He says a significant proportion of Fijians are dying during their youth due to NCD’s.
The Permanent Secretary says he is grateful to the Government of Korea through KOICA for choosing to share their ideas, policies and strategies on curbing NCDs considering it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Dr Fong says NCDs not only place a significant burden on health, but also on economic and social development.
He adds that it also imposes an indirect economic burden through significant productivity losses via premature mortality, early labour force exits, absenteeism and work at lowered capacity.
He says they would want to see a change in the workplace.
Dr Fong also reminded the 20 participants from the Heath Ministry to grab this opportunity with both hands and learn as much as they can because they will be the implementing agents in Fiji.
