BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has reported an alarming increase in patient admissions at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) over the past two years, with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) accounting for the majority of cases.
During a recent parliament session, Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai expressed deep concern over the statistics, emphasising the urgent need to address the growing NCD crisis in the country.
Bosawai revealed that in 2023, out of 3,810 total admissions at NRH, 56 percent (2,149) were male and 44 percent (1,661) female.
He added that 69 percent of these admissions were related to NCDs, including heart diseases, diabetes, kidney complications, brain and central nervous system disorders, and cancers.
He further noted that 69 percent of admissions in the medical ward and 60 percent in the surgical ward were linked to NCD-related conditions, reflecting the widespread impact of these illnesses.
In addition, Bosawai disclosed another concerning trend — a sharp rise in cancer cases.
He said the number of patients attending the cancer day care clinic more than doubled in 2023, increasing by 85 percent compared to the previous year.
Medical records documented 2,183 cases in 2023, up from 382 previously. While this spike could partly be due to improved reporting, the minister said the trend remains “alarming and concerning”.
To address the escalating NCD burden, Dr Bosawai said the MHMS and NRH plan to:
- Create more space, facilities, and technology to care for NCD patients;
- Increase staffing levels; and
- Expand hospital services and supplies.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, the Minister stressed the importance of prevention, warning that NCDs often lead to other serious illnesses, including cancer.
“By preventing or controlling diabetes, you are also preventing other forms of NCDs,” he said.
Bosawai appeals for strong collective action.
“We must all work together to combat the NCD crisis across the country. And I want to say, please—the food!”
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
