Mombasa: Physicians are urging the government to ensure that all public health facilities in the country are adequately equipped and staffed to effectively manage diabetes and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). They emphasized the need for the state to facilitate the provision of adequate equipment and supplies, alongside deploying sufficient medical support staff to attend to patients. Speaking at the 10th Eastern, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACOP) and the 28th Kenya Association of Physicians (KAP) conference, Dr. Roselyn Ngugi highlighted significant shortcomings in current health facilities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Ngugi, Chairperson of the KAP Nairobi branch and President of the Kenya Diabetes Study Group, pointed to recent research indicating a lack of basic diagnostic tools, such as blood pressure machines and blood sugar monitors, in most health facilities. 'We are facing three key challenges. Many facilities do not have the equipment required for diagnosis, there are not enough trained doctors and nurses, and supplies of essential medicines remain insufficient,' she stated.
Results from a World Diabetes Foundation supported study led by Dr. Jemima Kamari in Eldoret unveiled the gaps that need addressing. Dr. Ngugi stressed the importance of enhancing training for primary health care physicians and community health promoters to detect early symptoms of diabetes and guide patients towards timely treatment. She advocated for lifestyle interventions, including regular physical activity, healthier diets, and improved food labelling, to reduce risk factors.
Dr. Ngugi also warned about the increasing consumption of processed foods and excessive screen time among children, urging policy measures to ensure schools provide adequate playgrounds. She highlighted the necessity of clear labelling to inform consumers about sugar content and additives in food products.
In addition, KAP President Dr. Eric Njenga emphasized the society's commitment to empowering healthcare practitioners across all levels. He noted that the association is collaborating with specialist groups, such as the Kenya Cardiac Society, the Kenya Renal Association, and the Diabetes Management and Information Centre, to enhance training and guidelines for doctors and nurses. 'Our goal is to ensure quality health care not only for Kenyans, but also for close to 200 million people across the region,' said Dr. Njenga, urging government support for NCD programs.
He underscored the significance of early screening, healthy lifestyles, and stronger policies on food labelling and regulation of harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and industrial fats. The conference, attended by over 400 delegates, also celebrated the graduation of 15 physicians under the ECSACOP program, with nine being Kenyans. Organizers noted that the program is addressing the patient-to-consultant gap by training doctors locally while keeping them in service at county hospitals.