World Diabetes Day
The Guyana Diabetic Association, in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry and private stakeholders, on Wednesday organised a small health fair at the Stabroek Square, attracting hundreds who took advantage of the services being offered.
The event was organised in celebration of World Diabetes Day and sought to provide a medium for which citizens could be exposed to information that could save lives. It is known that many are sceptical about joining lengthy lines or paying hefty sums for healthcare services; this event eliminated such inconveniences.
Services provided during the fair included blood testing, provision of information on
Diabetes testing is offered to a passer-by
preventing diabetes from skilled medical personnel and medications that could control the disease.
Elizabeth Ram of the New GPC was among those in attendance, delivering medications produced by the pharmaceutical company which were effective in controlling diabetes. There was also a display of high- quality medicines sold at reduced prices.
“We’re displaying the products that are more suitable for diabetics. We have some very prominent products like Nutrophos which is very good for specifically diabetics and those ailments. We’re offering some products at a very low discounted price,” said Ram.
Other products manufactured by the company include Ferrol, Limacol, the extended range of Whizz tablets, and the newly-introduced Phanadyl Children’s Multi-symptom Cold and Flu.
Meanwhile, the Lions Club of Ruimveldt was among the groups to supply first-hand information on the disease.
One of its members, Dillon Thompson explained, “We are collaborating with the Guyana Diabetic Association to hold this exhibition on World’s Diabetes Day, where we want to showcase some of the problems that people might encounter
Blood pressure testing being done at another booth
and we’re hoping that the visitors can be taught how to prevent it.” Guyana Times was also joined by Carlos Farley of the Public Health Ministry who highlighted the possibility of diabetes-induced blindness. At that booth, special attention was placed on eye testing for diabetics by trained ophthalmologists.
Farley said, “We’re doing some eye tests [on persons] who are suffering from diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in Guyana. We’re doing some eye screening for patients and telling them what they need to do. This includes checking their eyesight every two years, because there can be bleeding behind the eye.”
ANSA McAL was among the private stakeholders, and tasked healthcare professionals to conduct free diabetes testing on the spot. This service was utilised by many persons.
The 2018 World Diabetes Day theme, “The Family and Diabetes” indicates that a different approach should be taken to eradicate diabetes and all should get involved in health education and testing.
