Trinidad and Tobago: Chamber of Industry and Commerce Calls for Unity to Address NCDs

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The Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Trinidad and Tobago has emphasized the need for unity and collaboration to address the growing issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. In a statement released on October 6, the chamber highlighted that chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes account for over 62 percent of annual deaths in Trinidad and Tobago, with a significant portion of these fatalities occurring in individuals under the age of 70. During a panel discussion titled “Transforming Healthcare: Bridging Gaps for a Healthier Future” held on September 18, healthcare committee chairman Barry Tangwell underscored that no single organization can effectuate the necessary transformation in the healthcare system alone. He called for a shift from “building empires” to “building ecosystems” through genuine partnerships that integrate efforts across public, private, and civil society sectors. The goal, he stated, is to enhance patient outcomes and ensure a focus on the needs of the population. Roche Pharma’s general manager, Alvaro Soto, pointed out that a lack of trust in the healthcare system poses a significant barrier to effective public-private collaboration. He urged for a collective commitment to develop comprehensive, data-driven solutions that could improve diagnostic capabilities and offer personalized medical solutions. The panel also acknowledged the importance of innovation in modernizing the healthcare system. Dr. Henry Bailey from the UWI Health Economics Unit noted that while Trinidad and Tobago possesses the necessary tools for health technology assessment, these tools are not currently utilized in the public sector. Additionally, Dr. Kimberly Badal from the Caribbean Cancer Research Institute proposed a scalable project that would utilize electronic medical records to track patient journeys from screening to treatment. The chamber has identified five key areas for focus: collaboration and public-private partnerships, NCD management, eHealth, financial sustainability, and tender diversification. It has invited the Health Minister and other relevant stakeholders to engage in ongoing consultations aimed at fostering a healthier future for the population of Trinidad and Tobago.

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