NCD PCP celebrates 10 Years of KYN with Calls for Greater Action to combat Diabetes
The Know Your Numbers Department of CBC Health Facilities has commemorated 10 years of its existence as it celebrated World Diabetes Day alongside the international community on November 14, 2023. World Diabetes Day is a day set aside for global initiatives, to raise awareness about this chronic health condition that affects millions of people around the world.
In the Director of Health Services’ speech to the facilities, he noted that the theme has remained “Access to Diabetes Care,” for the past two years running. This year’s slogan, “Know your risk, know your response,” brings the notion of being aware of one’s risk as a guide to prevention or delaying complications to sharp focus. “We must all take responsibility for our lives and that of our loved ones…., I believe this year’s slogan is timely, and now, perhaps more than ever, we must make maximum use of the resources the system has made available to us. We must develop and promote a culture of routine screening for NCDs through our KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (KYN) services and encourage everyone around us to do the same,” The Director echoed.
As Early Birds, the Nkwen Baptist Hospital exceptionally celebrated on Wednesday, November 8 during which the members of the Diabetes Clinic took part in a walk to affirm their commitment to beat Diabetes no matter the matter.
While welcoming everyone as the mother of the hospital, Mrs. Chimi Emerencia, Supervisor of Nursing Services, made the patients know that the doors of the hospital are open any day, any time and patients should not wait until clinic day to come to the hospital in case of a challenge. “As a silent killer, diabetes has as its number one machine food, seconded by exercises and then medication. The fact that there is a department alongside specialists to take care mainly of your needs is to show how important you are to the hospital,” Mrs. Chimi Emerencia remarked.
The SNS went ahead to say a family that has diabetes is a healthy family because gone are those days when people would cook a patient’s food separately. In this era, they rather eat from one pot avoiding too much salt, maggi, and oil to stay healthy. Make good use of this clinic, be the ambassador to your family and meeting members, and advise them to know their numbers.
On his part, the hospital administrator, Mr. Kagong Joce made the patients understand that they are the very reason why the hospital is there and so their importance cannot be over-emphasized. According to him, their job satisfaction is to see that the needs of the patients are met every other wise reason why they are offering all the other services to ensure holistic care. He reiterated that it is the hospital’s obligation to serve the patients like a one-stop shop, such that when they come to the hospital, they will not be thinking of going to another place for another concern. Determined, Mr. Kangong called on them to adhere to their treatment while appreciating the president and leadership for putting hands on deck for the good of everyone.
Like the SNS, the Administrator commended the healthcare staff for their unwavering commitment to providing quality care to patients with diabetes. They highlighted the significance of early detection and prevention of diabetes, stressing that timely intervention can significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with the disease. They also emphasized the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, in managing diabetes effectively.
The event was an opportunity for the persons living with Diabetes to appreciate the hospital for what they are doing for them such as care and reduction in the cost of medication and tests among other things. Ma Awunti Esther, President of the gathering, remarked with great joy that God has made it possible for most of them who were there last year to still be there. She used the avenue to thank the administration for the care and the listening ear they always give them, the lectures, health education, and prayers every time as well as the sporting activities they do each time they come to the clinic.
The patients also expressed their challenges while hoping that the hospital would reconsider. They had earlier taken part in some games offered by the sports coordinator, Mr. Monju Elvis who encouraged the people living with Diabetes to engage in those activities back at home to live healthier lives.
Testimonies from some Patients
“This group is very very good, it has made me not to be sleeping in the hospital all the time because they have taught me how to eat, how to be doing my exercises, how to do things that are good for me. I just tried to follow up but God has been helping me. Since 1999 when I slept at the hospital and we paid one million and something, I have not slept at the hospital again. We thank God because we are looking fine because we are coming, people who are back at home are not like us. The hospital is taking good care of us especially those who are here with us. Let God bless them and make them never to be sick”
“I just want to appreciate this our doctors here, just the way they greet us when we come in the mornings is healing. The way they talk to us and treat us, we like it. We want to appreciate them, let them continue just like that…”
“I just want to sound a note of appreciation to the personnel of the Baptist Health Services. I am used to Baptist Health Services from Big Mbingo for over fifteen years now. I think the Baptist Health Services are setting the pace for all medical services in this North West. If you visit other hospitals then you will know that they are the ones setting the pace. The standard they have set, and their professionalism is great. I am used to doctors like Dr. Niaghah, Ma Brown, and Dr. George. Please, administrator, carry this good news to the big people. More grease to your elbows.”
Picture Gallery of World Diabetes Day across CBC Health Services Facilities