GIZO Hospital has issued a public reminder to all patients of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly those with diabetes, following an alarming increase in diabetes-related admissions, especially in January each year.
This surge places a significant strain on the hospital’s health services, the patients were told.
According to unofficial data and statistics on NCD cases and diabetes, the hospital emphasised that the rate of NCDs, especially diabetes has soared and its goal is to reduce diabetes-related admissions and therefore it urges all diabetic patients to comply with their prescribed medications, maintain a controlled diet and stay physically active.
“Patients who notice ulcers developing on their feet are advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital for early treatment as timely care can prevent serious complications,’’ a nurse at the Gizo Hospital Out Patient announced earlier last week.
With the recent reports from Gizo Hospital Management, most reported cases of NCDs are from islands near Gizo.
“Since last January and previous Januarys, there have been increases in NCD cases. Most cases come from Vella, Rannogah, Simbo and Kolombangara islands.
“However, the trend of the disease now is different to the past where mostly elderly people get sick with NCDs. Now children at a young age can be affected as well,’’ a nurse told Solomon Star in an interview last week.
“NCD is a killer disease. If we cannot control it, it will soar. It starts with a poor nutrition.
“As we begin 2025, reports of NCD cases continue to reach Gizo Hospital and they are alarming,” the nurse said.
Diabetes is a significant health concern in Solomon Islands, with recent data indicating a rising prevalence among adults.
According to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), deaths recorded at NRH from 2018 to 2020, the medical ward makes up 34 percent of all 1,688 cumulative deaths recorded over the three years. Most of these deaths are due to end-stage and NCD complications.
From 2015 to 2020, the NRH admitted an average of 14,146 patients. Within the same period, there was an average of 11,500 discharges. In 2019-2020, there were 11,556 to 12,568 admissions (9-10 percent of the Honiara population.
According to the World Bank Collection of Development Indicators in 2021, approximately 19.8 per-cent of adults aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes.
Gender disparities are evident in diabetes prevalence. The Global Nutrition Report estimates that 17.5 per-cent of adult women and 14.4 per-cent of adult men in Solomon Islands are affected by diabetes.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
