Cuban delegation meets with local health professionals to introduce Heberprot-P drug

Local health professionals met earlier this week with a Cuban delegation here in St Vincent and the Grenadines to introduce Heberprot-P, a product to stimulate the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.

The meeting convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference room on Monday, March 23.{{more}}

In attendance were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment Luis deShong; Cuban ambassador Luis Castillo Campos, and Chief Medical Officer Dr Simone Keizer-Beache, among others.

There were presentations by local doctor Dr Rosmond Adams and Cuban specialist in Angiology and Vascular surgery, Dr Eberto Carrazana Peinada. In his presentation, Dr Adams said that 1,725 persons with diabetes were registered in 2013, with 98 per cent new cases recorded in that same period. The community of Belair had the highest count of diabetes cases, roughly 150. According to Dr Adams, diabetes was the third leading cause of death in St Vincent and the Grenadines from 2009 to 2013.

In a 2014 study, persons with diabetes complications accounted for 975 admissions at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital over an eight- day average. Fifty-five males and 72 females had episodes related to care for diabetic foot.

Diabetic foot is also a concern in Cuba, stated Dr Eberto Carrazana Peinada during his presentation on the Cuban view of diabetic foot and treatment with Heberprot-P. Dr Eberto presented several success stories of patients in Cuba who had varying stages of foot ulcers, including how to administer the drug and side effects.

At the end of the two presentations, health stakeholders had several questions on the use of Heberprot-P. The main questions surrounded the precise administration of the drug and the results.

The Cuban delegation will also visit community health centres and the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. The delegation departs on Wednesday, April 1.