Non-communicable diseases cost the Fijian Economy between $248.6 million to $406.4 million in 2015 – Dr Waqainabete

Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says the financial cost of the four major non-communicable diseases to the Fijian economy was in the range of $248.6 million to $406.4 million in 2015.

The four major non-communicable diseases in Fiji are heart diseases such as heart attacks and stroke, cancers, respiratory disease and diabetes.

While speaking at the NCDs Stakeholders meeting at Holiday Inn today, Doctor Waqainabete says this is equivalent to between 2.4% to 4.4% of the 2015 Gross Domestic Product.

He says an estimated $73.3 million was the health costs for the four NCD categories.

Doctor Waqainabete adds persons with cardiovascular diseases pose the greatest financial burden to health services accounting for 28.4%, followed by chronic respiratory disease which is 23.8% while diabetes accounts for 16.1%.

The Minister says stringent interventions are needed to address issues around physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol abuse.

He further adds while Fiji has tripled its burden on NCDs, it still remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity over the decades.