In a simultaneous act between the Regional Health Services of Valdesia and El Valle, the Minister of Health, Victor Atallah, announced the total coverage in the country of the program “More health and more life expectancy”, which, in these two regions alone, will benefit more than 111,000 people suffering from hypertension and diabetes.
These two districts, with a total population of 1,546,727 inhabitants, now have access to free medical care and medicines, mainly for people over 45 years of age and under 18 years of age with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
The ceremony, held in the towns of Río Arriba, Peravia province, and Jinova, San Juan de la Maguana, was led by the Minister of Health, Víctor Atallah, together with Adolfo Pérez, director of Promese/Cal, and Alba Ropero, representative of PAHO/WHO.
Atallah emphasized that this program is supported by the Hearts strategy, of the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and is carried out thanks to the directives of President Luis Abinader, who has guaranteed the free delivery of essential medicines for the most vulnerable.
During the event, Minister Atallah read a message sent by President Abinader, in which he expressed his satisfaction for having succeeded in launching the program throughout the national territory, benefiting a population of 1,200,000 people, who will receive their medicines and medical care free of charge.
In January 2024, President Luis Abinader announced his commitment to bring “More health and more life expectancy” to the entire national territory, within the framework of the WHO’s Hearts strategy, motivated by the fact that more than 46% of people are unaware that they suffer from these diseases, which makes greater health promotion necessary to prevent and control these ailments.
“More health and more life expectancy” is a joint effort of the Ministry of Public Health, the National Health Service, Promese/Cal and PAHO. Its objective is to ensure access to medicines for the control of hypertension and diabetes at the first level of care, marking a significant advance in the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the population.
Atallah indicated that, in addition to senior citizens, pensioners, retirees and people under 18 years of age with type 1 diabetes mellitus will also benefit. The program includes the opening of 63 People’s Pharmacies in the regions of Valdesia and El Valle, where patients can pick up their treatments free of charge, presenting only their medical prescription and identity card.
A joint effort
Adolfo Pérez, director of the Essential Medicines Program and Logistics Support Center (Promese/CAL), expressed that this program is a testament to President Luis Abinader’s commitment and vision for public health, highlighting the importance of good primary care for the well-being of citizens.
“With the launch of ‘More health and more life expectancy’ in these demarcations, we can say with satisfaction that this program is available throughout the country, guaranteeing equitable and inclusive services,” highlighted Perez.
For her part, Alba Ropero, from PAHO, explained that “the Dominican Republic has become the first country to officialize the Hearts initiative as the basis for strengthening primary health care, under the name ‘More health and more life expectancy’. This commitment to the evolution, comprehensiveness and strengthening of the health system at the first level of care seeks greater efficiency in health spending”.
Meanwhile, the provincial governor, Angela Yadira Báez, and Dr. Fulgencio Marcelino, Regional Health Director of Peravia province, expressed their gratitude for the arrival of the program and encouraged the population to take advantage of the benefits, urging them to become watchdogs in order to achieve improvements in the quality and humanization of services.
Simultaneous event in San Juan
At the event in Jinova, the director of the DP/DAS Deconcentrated Management Coordination Office, Luis Nelson Rosario, stressed the importance of adequate equipment and training of personnel, supported by WHO/PAHO. “The success of the strategy depends on the collaboration and commitment of all the actors involved, from the medical and administrative staff to the representatives of international organizations,” said Rosario.
The event was attended by provincial authorities, guests from international organizations and other prominent personalities.
Source:presidencia.gob.do
