Latest news with #preventivecare
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Seychelles: President Ramkalawan Inaugurates New Baie Lazare Health Centre
President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan and Vice-President Ahmed Afif, officially inaugurated the newly constructed Baie Lazare Health Centre on Monday afternoon, marking a significant milestone in the district's healthcare infrastructure development. The modern healthcare facility replaces the original health centre built in 1938. Entirely funded by the Government of Seychelles at a cost of approximately 9.2 million Seychelles rupees, the project demonstrates the administration's commitment to enhancing community healthcare services. Construction commenced in February 2024, with temporary healthcare services provided at Baie Lazare Primary School to ensure uninterrupted medical care for residents. The comprehensive health centre offers an extensive range of services with particular emphasis on preventive care, early detection, and health promotion. The facility features state-of-the-art amenities including public health services, physiotherapy units, dual consultation chambers, an observation unit, an emergency unit, equipment sterilization facilities, antenatal care and family planning consultations, pharmaceutical services, and storage facilities. Additionally, the centre is equipped with an advanced dental service unit featuring a dental X-ray system with high-end equipment generously sponsored by the German Dental Association, demonstrating international partnership in Seychelles' healthcare advancement. Minister for Health Peggy Vidot expressed great honour at the facility's opening, emphasizing its significance beyond mere infrastructure. "The inauguration represents more than just a new building, it symbolizes a transformative chapter in the lives of individuals and families within the district," Minister Vidot remarked. "This vibrant facility will propel the community forward through collective spirit, creating success stories that empower families to embrace healthier lifestyles." The Minister highlighted the government's proactive healthcare approach, emphasizing both treatment and prevention strategies. "We will offer programs and services focused on early prevention, healthcare education, early detection programs, vaccination, and health promotion initiatives to equip residents with the knowledge and resources needed to take charge of their own health," she explained. Healthcare Agency Chief Executive Officer Dr. Danny Louange reinforced the agency's dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare services throughout communities. "Our objective is to offer healthcare services of standard, respect, quality, and dedicated care. This centre is part of a broader national vision for the healthcare agency," he explained. "We are working toward accrediting all our healthcare services, therefore we must ensure our healthcare facilities meet the standards required for accreditation." President Ramkalawan's address underscored his administration's commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access across all districts of Seychelles, with the Baie Lazare Health Centre representing one of several new healthcare infrastructure projects under the current administration. The ceremony featured a testimony by Baie Lazare resident Mr. Berard Esparon, along with songs and poem recitals by Baie Lazare Primary School students. The inauguration was attended by the Cabinet Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly Honorable Roger Mancienne, Brigadier General Jean Attala, Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe, Member of the National Assembly for the Anse Boileau District Honourable Philip Arissol, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Bernard Valentin, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jude Gedeon, representatives from the German Dental Association, healthcare professionals, community leaders, residents, students, and invited guests. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Reuters
5 days ago
- Health
- Reuters
US Health Secretary Kennedy to oust members of US preventive task force, WSJ reports
July 25 (Reuters) - Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is planning to remove all the members of an advisory panel that determines what cancer screenings and other preventive health measures insurers must cover, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Kennedy plans to dismiss all 16 panel members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, according to the WSJ report. This is the latest in a series of far-reaching actions by Kennedy, a long-time vaccine skeptic, to reshape U.S. regulation of vaccines, food and medicine. In June, Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing them with eight new members including known vaccine skeptics. The USPSTF includes medical experts serving four-year terms on a volunteer basis and has a major role in choosing what services will be covered under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The U.S. Supreme Court in June upheld the constitution of the task force and ruled in favor of its recommendation to cover preventive care such as cancer screenings and HIV prevention medication at no cost to patients. Its members are selected by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services without Senate confirmation. The HHS and the USPSTF did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
CNA
5 days ago
- Health
- CNA
I'm a 51-year-old man and I'm psychologically allergic to health checks
It took my wife close to a full year to get me to turn up for my long-delayed health check-up. In that time, she tried encouraging me with soft prods, scathing threats and even abject fear-mongering – every trick in the book. When it all amounted to nothing, she booked the appointment, drove me there and dropped me off like a petulant child. Perhaps I should be slightly ashamed to admit that this was the second time in five years that my wife had had to cajole, nag, browbeat and, ultimately, schedule me into submission. This is as conceptually infuriating as it sounds, considering I'm a grown man who officially has half a century of life wisdom and experience under his belt. The truth is, I don't need to be told how important these checks are at my age. I am well aware, but annoyingly enough, I still resist. Purposely delay the inevitable. Make my wife re-strategise her approach at every turn. And as fate would have it, at the screening my wife wrestled me into doing, the doctor did detect an irregular rhythm in one of my arteries. There were tears – mostly my wife's. After all, one of her deepest fears – that I would leave this world first – was suddenly very real. More checks later revealed that my sputtering artery was the result of a combination of caffeine abuse, work stress and poor sleep habits. I am getting it sorted with follow-up checks, a revised diet plan and a crackdown on my coffee intake. STAYING ALIVE Singaporeans are living longer than ever before. Here, the average man can expect to live up to his 80s, which by any gauge is a ripe old age. Women, obviously, are expected to live longer, but only by about four to five years. I turn 51 years old this year. So, statistically speaking, if all goes well, I should have about 30 more good years before I kick the bucket. However, even with the latest finding after the check-up, I know that I will still resist the next health screening, as I have done in the past. I'm not alone, either. Research has shown that men are much more likely to delay or avoid healthcare seeking and preventive measures than women. So why do I evade these very sensible, necessary checks? In trying to rationalise and justify my own reticence, I realised that I would honestly rather not know how much of my statistically allotted 30 years I have left, because I have too many people to worry about and not enough time to worry about myself. At 41, my wife is likely fast approaching the midpoint of her own lifespan. Our three children are 12, 10 and seven. I am the sole breadwinner of the family. We live modestly – in our view, at least. One of my dearest wishes is to eventually hold in my arms a grandchild from one of my children. However, if I want that wish to become reality, I still have one heck of a salaryman journey ahead of me. As the primary working adult in my household, I have to make sure my crop of kids are provided for and I have come to terms with the fact that I may never retire per se. And all to cuddle the next generation of my family in my arms before The Imran Show finally gets cancelled. So yes, I do think about my demise – not about preparing for it or putting it off, but rather about making my remaining time count before the clock runs out. HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE? My wife's motives are simple and sincere: She wants me around longer. Her insistence on health check-ups is grounded in love, because she wants us to do what we can to catch the bad stuff early and buy ourselves more time together. I am no psychology expert, but here's my take on why this well-meaning argument isn't as effective on me as it may be on some others. Now, almost immediately, most women would exclaim, as my wife initially did, "This is ridiculous, just get checked and we'll know early if we need to get it sorted!" By that logic, the health-screening clinic would have endless lines of perfectly rational men. But, unsurprisingly if sometimes unfortunately, we men are perfectly irrational. And this is where that contentious issue of the survival mindset of the male of the species descends into a paradoxical state. I am well aware of my mortality. I also have long-term plans to provide for my dependants. So, should I pause in the middle of running the marathon to check and see how much time I have left? No. I opt to soldier on. If I go, I go, and I will not pause for any impending full stop. If and when I do go for my health check-up, there are only two scenarios that may play out. One: All is fine, we carry on and my wife restarts her five-year cycle for the next check. Two: The doctor spots an issue. Cue the crying, denial, bargaining and so on – the full five stages of grief. Hopefully, the healing starts, or maybe it is already basically game over. My wife insists I pause for the health check because of love. But in my own way, I insist on not pausing because of love as well. (DON'T FEAR) THE REAPER Life in Singapore already feels like a pressure cooker. The rising cost of living. The roughness of work. The creeping uncertainty. These things conspire to convince men like me – the sole breadwinners of our clan – that standing still just long enough for a check-up might cause everything else to fall apart. We are compelled to keep moving no matter what, not only because it defines our purpose, but because without it, what are we then? Who are we as husbands, fathers and sons if we cannot be providers? Who are we as men? In the face of all these pressures and challenges, can an average Singaporean guy in his 50s – grappling with bills, responsibilities and his own stubborn reticence – hope to hold his grandchild in the foreseeable future? Maybe I am being unreasonably optimistic, but the way I see it, this is how I want to run my own marathon. Not by looking at my feet all the time, worrying I might trip and fall, but by looking ahead to the finish line and concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. I am not trying to outrun death. I just don't want to pause long enough to fear it.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
MoHAP exchanges expertise with visiting delegation as part of the Global Healthcare Leadership Program
UAE, Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has received a delegation participating in the Global Healthcare Leadership Program, held in the UAE. The program is organised by the Government Experience Exchange Office of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. The visit was attended by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of MoHAP, alongside Assistant Undersecretaries and senior officials. The delegation's visit aimed to exchange expertise, government administration practices, and share global best practices in healthcare. During the visit, the guests were briefed on MoHAP's key initiatives in digital transformation and innovation within the health sector, as well as the Ministry's efforts to promote preventive care and address health challenges. The visit is part of the UAE's commitment to opening dialogue channels with international health leaders and building healthier societies. It also reflects the UAE's position as a trusted global partner in improving healthcare, driving innovation, and advancing sustainable health security by developing integrated knowledge systems and promoting close collaboration with health leaders and decision-makers across various countries. Comprehensive tour of Centres of Excellence During the visit, the delegation was introduced to the UAE's key achievements in public health, digital transformation of health services, and preventive care. The discussion also touched on how the country is linking its healthcare initiatives to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, in line with international efforts to create flexible, equitable, and sustainable health systems. Also addressed were the UAE's strategies to enhance future readiness and tackle global health challenges. The delegation also explored the Ministry's plans for health system governance and were briefed about the coordination between local and federal health authorities. They were provided with an overview of the Ministry's most important strategic and transformational projects and achievements. Additionally, the delegation learnt about the UAE's health regulatory system and the legislative framework that ensures the quality of health services across the country. They also explored the public health system, with a focus on community prevention strategies and proactive responses to epidemics and health emergencies. As part of a field tour, the delegation visited the Ministry's Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Centre, the backbone of the UAE's health preparedness. They also toured the National Centre for Regulating Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation under the Hayat programme, which stands out as a model for ethical and medical leadership. Finally, they visited the Customer Happiness Centre, where they learnt about the UAE's innovative approach to enhancing customer experience and satisfaction in the health sector. Advanced Health Strategies His Excellency Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, affirmed that the visit of the delegation, organised in collaboration with the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, reflects the international confidence in the UAE's evolving health strategies as well as the global interest in building strategic partnerships with the UAE, especially in digital health and artificial intelligence. 'This is also a testament to the success of the UAE's health system, which is backed by the directives of our wise leadership and national strategies that have positioned the health sector as a central pillar of sustainable development,' the Minister said. Meanwhile, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama stated: 'The delegation's visit will further reinforce the UAE's growing role in shaping the future of healthcare worldwide and building international partnerships to exchange knowledge and joint innovation. Leveraging successful experiences, the UAE aims to help create a healthier future for all. 'We will spare no effort to contribute to global health transformation by sharing our expertise in institutional governance and innovation, establishing the UAE as a trusted platform for developing forward-looking health policies.' Al Olama added. Commending UAE's health approach Members of the global delegation commended the UAE's healthcare model, especially its robust digital infrastructure, adaptive legislative framework, and advanced quality systems. They stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing visits, which would play a vital role in creating a globally connected, participatory environment that ensures a healthier future for all societies.
The National
15-07-2025
- Business
- The National
My Dubai Salary: ‘I did not take a salary for seven and a half years as a tech start-up founder'
Sophie Smith recalls how she decided to never be financially dependent on anyone while growing up in the UK. However, as the founder and chief executive of Nabta Health, a UAE-based healthcare platform for women, she has not drawn a salary in all but several months over the past eight years. As her company is fully backed by angel investors, the Briton, 36, does not feel comfortable receiving monthly pay and instead takes an incentive every quarter. She's currently financially dependent on her husband since moving to Dubai in 2016. Before founding Nabta Health, Ms Smith owned four companies in three years – a doctor-finding, appointment-booking platform in Pakistan, a plastic recycling company in Sierra Leone, a health tech consultancy and a software development company, both in the UK. Nabta Health combines digital and traditional health care to offer preventive care to women. 'Our platform supports in diagnosing chronic health conditions and navigating specific stages as a woman, for example, support with fertility and family planning, after birth, and menopause,' she says. 'To date, my company has been entirely backed by angel investors. We have 68 angel investors in total, most of whom invested through special purpose vehicles, but with investments ranging from $1,000 up to $1 million.' The company has raised $4 million to date and opened a pre-series A funding round of $6 million to expand the platform and acquire new clinics in the UAE. Ms Smith lives with her four children and husband, a lawyer, in a villa in Al Barsha South. She has an MA Cantab (masters in history) from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. What was your first job and salary? I started as an analyst with Accenture and worked there for four years before leaving to found my first company. I started on a salary of £32,000 ($43,348) per year and it came with a golden handshake of £5,000, which felt like an absolute fortune for a new graduate in 2010. I was promoted to consultant after 14 months and was on track to be promoted to manager when I quit. I left because I wanted to chart my own growth curve. I had put part of my salary into Accenture's stock programme and by the time I left, I had about £25,000 saved. I took that money and put it into my first company, a health tech consultancy. What is your salary now? When I started work on Nabta Health, I closed down the businesses I had in the UK and was dependent on my husband and the salary he was drawing from his new job in Dubai in 2017. Nabta was self-funded in very small parts by me and my founding investor, to the tune of $92,000 over 15 to 18 months. Since we have raised capital in non-traditional ways, we've never had a significant amount of runway, and I have never felt comfortable with the notion of taking a salary because the company needs the money. I didn't take a salary for the first seven-and-a-half years of Nabta's life until we'd achieved product-market fit in July 2024. I attached myself to the company as the general manager and started to take a salary of Dh33,300 ($9,067) per month after we closed our first $1 million investment, plus an additional Dh12,200 per month which accrues and is paid out quarterly only if we hit our revenue targets. I took the salary for two months before reverting to 100 per cent accrual to support our runway. Not taking a salary has placed a huge financial strain on our family. When we came to the UAE, we had no children and now we have four. Our costs as a family have increased 300 per cent. Do you manage to save and invest? I had savings before I started my first business. But since then, I've put every penny into my companies. I have a small cryptocurrency account, a couple of savings accounts and a few investments in different start-ups that are mostly through sweat equity. I'm a firm believer in having a diversified portfolio of investments and putting your capital to work, especially as a woman. If I had more liquidity, I'd have a more structured investment portfolio. I would also invest into stocks, bonds and safer and more traditional asset classes. I hope to be able to invest in real estate at some point. In the next couple of years as Nabta continues to grow and stabilise us financially, when I'll be able to start taking a regular salary, I hope to put aside probably 10 per cent of that every month to invest into different asset classes. Do you have any debt? We have a couple of credit cards as a family and try to pay them off every month. At different points over the years, we have ended up taking out loans, usually secured against my husband's salary. Within the business, I've taken debt at various points. Growing up, were you taught how to handle your finances? I was not. My father was the sole breadwinner in a house with eight children and he took quite a lot of risks. He co-founded four schools, so he remortgaged our house to support these schools. He managed his finances very closely, but on the flip side, he gave my mom a hard time about money. Growing up, I remember thinking that I'm never going to be financially dependent on anybody. It was one of the reasons why I was so determined to start my own business. What are your major monthly expenses? Rent and school fees. My personal expenses and company overheads are separate. If my husband and I end up covering any of Nabta's expenses, which has occurred when cash flow has been tight, those are rigorously documented and paid back when the company can afford it. Do you have an emergency fund? Yes, our family's emergency fund can sustain us for three months. What do you spend your disposable income on? I spend it on things to manage my health. I take dancing lessons, run, get regular massages and buy new sports equipment every now and then. I also see a Chinese energetics practitioner once a quarter. Watch: Why expat salary packages are not what they used to be Do you worry about money? I worry a lot about money in the context of the company, specifically making payroll and the implications of financial instability of everybody we employ because I am their support system. In the context of my family, I worry about money less because of a very strong support base in the UK. If anything were to happen, we could go back and stay with my family for however long it takes us to normalise. What are your financial goals? Financial sustainability for the company, first and foremost. And then I would like to get to a position where I could sustain my family as a sole breadwinner. I never intended to be in a position where I was financially dependent on somebody. Everybody should enter adult life assuming they can be financially independent. There are all sorts of hidden power dynamics associated with money. In an increasingly volatile world, entering the workforce and adulthood on an even footing is a good thing. What is your idea of financial freedom? To be in a position where you aren't actively worrying about surviving day to day, either in a professional or personal context. I want my company to be able to capitalise on growth opportunities to hire the right people and pay them good money to create financial stability.
