Remember, a healthy nation will be a more productive one
Editor: I would like to focus on healthcare, education, crime and the causes of crime, poverty alleviation, and the cost of living.
On examination of these issues, I discovered that they are intertwined and are at the very fabric of our civilization.{{more}} Think of it, a healthy and educated population with little crime is a recipe for economic development, which leads to poverty alleviation, and is complemented by a low cost of living.
Letâs break down this idea. Imagine a healthy, educated, fully employed, individual who works in a field that he or she loves, that individual will tend to be at work on a regular basis and would use their education to produce at an optimal level. Hence their productivity will lead to economic development. If that individual feels that his life and possessions are relatively safe due to a low rate of criminal activity, that individual would be highly motivated, thereby improving their productivity even further. Add to this scenario a low cost of living, oh how happy we will be.
The questions, therefore, are: Where do we lie in terms of the above issues and what can we do to improve them? Which of the political parties can deliver such ideals or come as close as possible?
The NDP has advocated the construction a modern hospital; the ULP has since stated that they will construct such a facility. The ULPâs running of the hospital has met many challenges. There was the criticism of the appointment of Fitz Jones as administrator; he has lately been transferred. Is this an admission that he has failed? There have also been shortages of medication at the hospital and clinics which some claim was as a result of the government not paying their bills. I, therefore, wonder whether the national health insurance scheme, as tabled by the NDP, could have remedied the shortage of medication.
The latest issue is the CT scan valued at EC$1.4 million purchased by the NIS and NCB being placed at Caribbean Medical Imaging Center. Some persons question whether this is a wise move, not having it located at the hospital. They wonder whether it would be accessible outside of the Centreâs working hours. Whatever the case, I welcome the CT scan.
In conclusion, I would like us all to look at our lifestyle and the environment, analyze it and arrive at ways to improve our health and that of our neighbours. Remember, a healthy nation will be a more productive one.
Deana Moses
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