May 7, 2013

FLU AND CONJUNCTIVITIS PREVENTION URGED

Since the beginning of the year the Belau National Hospital has been seeing an increase in influenza (flu) and conjunctivitis (pink eye) cases.

The public is therefore urged to continue practicing hygienic habits such as proper hand washing and food handling to prevent further spread of the diseases. Although there may be many social activities and gatherings, those experiencing symptoms of flu and pink eye are encouraged to remain home or seek medical attention.

Furthermore, the public is requested to adhere to visitation guidelines and rules when visiting inpatients at the Belau National Hospital. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed within the hospital at any time unless seeking medical attention. Hospital visiting hours remain unchanged and are between 10am and 2pm in the daytime and between 6pm and 8pm in the evenings. Keeping with these rules will limit the spread of diseases within the hospital.

Influenza (flu) like illnesses can be prevented by proper hand washing and its spread can be prevented by covering coughs and sneezes.

For more information on how to prevent the flu, contact the Communicable Disease Unit at 488-2450 or the Infection Control and Prevention Office at the Belau National Hospital at 488-2553.

May 2, 2013

MOH RECEIVES VARIOUS DONATIONS IN APRIL

The Ministry of Health (MOH) wishes to express its appreciation to various organizations and companies for their generous donations to the Belau National Hospital throughout the month of April.

The MOH shows its appreciation to Palau National Quary Inc. for their donation of ready mix cement, which was used to complete flooring of additional storage space at the hospital, as well as one truck load of sand and gravel used to repair deteriorating areas around the hospital.

MOH also shows its appreciation to Topside Service Station along with owner Ivan Rudimch for donating bed sheets, pillows and pillow cases as well as much needed bottles of hand sanitizer.

The Meyuns women’s group, Ngara Yamel is also acknowledged and appreciated for their monetary donation which will be used for the ongoing face-life project at the Belau National Hospital.

All donors and supporters of the Ministry of Health are appreciated for their thoughts and generosity not only for the hospital and its patients and staff but also their efforts to improve health in the Republic of Palau.

If any individual, organization or agency is interested in donating to the Ministry of Health, please contact the main administration office at 488-2552.

May 2, 2013

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS MARK WORLD HEALTH DAY OBSERVANCE

As the world observed the 2013 World Health Day last April 7, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Kotel a Deurreng and Ulekerreuil a Klengar conducted free blood pressure checks various locations in Koror and the national capitol on April 5.

As such, the Ministry of Health shows its appreciation to the PCC Nursing Program, Kotel a Deurreng and Ulekerreuil a Klengar for their assistance in the activities thanks Surangel & Sons, WCTC, Ministry of Education, Palau Community College and Mindzenty High School as well for providing the venue for the screening booths.

Over 500 people took advantage of the free screenings, which were conducted to reflect this year’s World Health Day theme of “Control your blood pressure”. Results showed that 30% of those screened had normal blood pressure, 34% had signs of pre-hypertension and 36% were hypertensive.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a global health problem which attributes to many diseases and conditions including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and other non-communicable diseases. It is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which are among the top causes of death in Palau every year.

For more information regarding hypertension and how to prevent it, contact the NCD Unit at 488-2212.

The Ministry of Health shall take positive actions to:

Attain healthful environment,

Promote health and social welfare,

Protect family health and safety, and