The Ministry of Health is advancing efforts to establish a new Health Promotion Centre to create a healthier workforce and to promote a culture of prevention, wellness and healthier lifestyle choices among its employees.
On Friday, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, received a quantity of automated health-testing devices and fitness equipment to support the establishment and operation of the Centre.
The initiative is being developed at a time when Guyana continues to confront the growing impact of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including conditions linked to physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and other lifestyle factors.
By establishing the Centre within the Ministry of Health, the initiative seeks to place greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention, encouraging employees to take greater responsibility for their health.
The centre will be developed under the leadership of Dr Zhu Qianrang, Public Health Specialist attached to the Chronic Disease Unit of the China Medical Team to Guyana, in collaboration with AGM Inc. and Shandong Hi-Speed Dejian Group.
Once completed, the facility will be equipped with fitness equipment and automated health testing devices that can permit employees to engage in regular physical activity while monitoring key health indicators.
The Centre is also expected to promote greater awareness of nutrition, exercise and preventative healthcare. It gives staff practical tools to identify potential health concerns and make healthier choices.
Minister Anthony said the initiative is intended to begin with the ministry’s own employees, creating an environment where healthy habits can become part of the daily workplace routine.
“What we want to do is start at the Ministry of Health with our employees and get them into the habit of eating right and exercising,” Dr Anthony said.
The minister stressed that the ministry must lead by example, demonstrating to the wider population that healthy lifestyle practices can be incorporated into everyday life.
The government remains committed to developing initiatives that support physical activity, healthy nutrition and preventative healthcare, which can help employees develop sustainable habits that extend beyond the workplace and into their families and communities.