Dear Editor,
The National Consumers League (NCL) is concerned about recent occurrences affecting the nation's health. Last year, the country suffered from the chikungunya virus which disabled a significant part of the population causing pain and loss in production. Many people are yet to fully recover from the effects. The population was inadequately prepared in spite of the authorities being warned of the likelihood of its appearance in Jamaica.
Following closely behind was the choking effects of the massive fire at the Riverton dump, which caused respiratory problems for many citizens and the closure of schools and businesses.
Then came swarms of mosquitoes that tormented man and beasts alike and, although they may not have caused diseases, the most recent attack immediately after the recent rains following the long dry period must rate as the most severe in living memory. Added to this is inadequate garbage cleaning which promotes the breeding of rats which carry serious disease.
The effects of the aforementioned occurrences could have been prevented or significantly minimised had the nation been warned and prepared, and if the parish councils and the Ministry of Health were proactive. Precautionary measures, such as swamp, drain-cleaning and spraying, should have been implemented before the outbreak of these diseases.
What hits most, however, is the preventable illnesses and death of so many babies, in teaching hospitals of all places. The warning was there but as usual, the responsible authorities played 'see and blind'.
Another concern of the NCL is the effect of improper nutrition on the population because of the cost of healthy foods. I am not aware if the country knows how many illnesses and premature deaths are caused simply because a significant part of the population cannot afford to be properly nourished, and this includes babies and adults alike. How many families can afford vegetables and proteins at their present cost? Yet we wonder about the high incidence of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other preventable illnesses which affects Jamaicans. It seems as if our government is more interested in gaining or keeping power so it pays scant attention to the little things which could prevent illnesses. Penny wise pound foolish, as the proverb says.
Trevor Samuels
President
National Consumers League
natcomle@cwjamaica.com
Our penny wise, pound foolish Gov't puts us at risk
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The National Consumers League (NCL) is concerned about recent occurrences affecting the nation's health. Last year, the country suffered from the chikungunya virus which disabled a significant part of the population causing pain and loss in production. Many people are yet to fully recover from the effects. The population was inadequately prepared in spite of the authorities being warned of the likelihood of its appearance in Jamaica.
Following closely behind was the choking effects of the massive fire at the Riverton dump, which caused respiratory problems for many citizens and the closure of schools and businesses.
Then came swarms of mosquitoes that tormented man and beasts alike and, although they may not have caused diseases, the most recent attack immediately after the recent rains following the long dry period must rate as the most severe in living memory. Added to this is inadequate garbage cleaning which promotes the breeding of rats which carry serious disease.
The effects of the aforementioned occurrences could have been prevented or significantly minimised had the nation been warned and prepared, and if the parish councils and the Ministry of Health were proactive. Precautionary measures, such as swamp, drain-cleaning and spraying, should have been implemented before the outbreak of these diseases.
What hits most, however, is the preventable illnesses and death of so many babies, in teaching hospitals of all places. The warning was there but as usual, the responsible authorities played 'see and blind'.
Another concern of the NCL is the effect of improper nutrition on the population because of the cost of healthy foods. I am not aware if the country knows how many illnesses and premature deaths are caused simply because a significant part of the population cannot afford to be properly nourished, and this includes babies and adults alike. How many families can afford vegetables and proteins at their present cost? Yet we wonder about the high incidence of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other preventable illnesses which affects Jamaicans. It seems as if our government is more interested in gaining or keeping power so it pays scant attention to the little things which could prevent illnesses. Penny wise pound foolish, as the proverb says.
Trevor Samuels
President
National Consumers League
natcomle@cwjamaica.com
Our penny wise, pound foolish Gov't puts us at risk
-->