20 Nov 2016

Scottish Livingstone Hospital chief medical officer, Dr Botho Charles says the number of diabetic patients treated at the hospital has increased from 921 last year to 1 230 this year.

Speaking at diabetic day celebration in Molepolole, Dr Charles said in 2015, 128 new cases were reported whilst 73 were registered this year, bringing the number treated at hospital to 1 230.

She however emphasised the need for people to adhere to advises from medical officers and also monitor diet and control weight.

Dr Charles said many diabetes cases had been neglected along the years, hence the need for all to be more alert.

She cited as challenges instances where patients were not diagnosed on time or given proper treatment or no follow-ups were done, thereby failing to prevent complications.

Dr Dayana Palai said as a result of the above, a lot of lives were lost in the community and with medication and more medical practitioners at disposal of patience this had since changed.

Mr Paul Sennanyana of Molepolole Diabetic Support Group said it was crucial for diabetes patients to learn from each other.

He raised a concern that only a few were participating in group activities despite the high number of patients in the area.

He called on patients to learn to cooperate as a team and speak in one voice when seeking assistance from government. ENDS