Health workers fight NCDs

Public health workers in Suva are turning to sport to fight back against the same diseases they warn their patients about every day.

Subdivisional Medical Officer for Suva, Dr Akesh Narayan, said medical staff often sacrifice their own health while caring for others.

"Providing service is one thing, but we don't look after ourselves," Dr Narayan said. 

"We know we don't get much time just because we spend most of our time at the health centre doing our work, looking after our patients and also doing community outreach."

His comments came at the inaugural Suva Subdivision Wellness and Team Bonding Volleyball Tournament held at Vodafone Arena Hall B in Suva last Saturday.

The event was organised in response to the growing number of medical personnel lost to non-communicable diseases — illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension that develop over time, often linked to inactivity and poor diet.

NCDs kill eight in ten Fijians, and a national health survey last year found 98 per cent of adults carry at least one risk factor.

Dr Narayan said the tournament — which brought together doctors, nurses, cleaners, drivers and their families from health centres across the subdivision — was the start of a three-month sporting programme.

"This will build the momentum for them to be healthy as well as keeping their family," he said.

Volleyball is the first event, with netball to follow. The Fiji Sports Council provided the venue.

Dr Narayan said other workplaces should take note.

"If the staff are healthy, you will have a productive output, be it at the workplace or at home," he said.