Dr. Greggory Pinto, Consulting Urologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, paid a courtesy call, Monday, on Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis and Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville in observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed during the month of September.
The Bahamas, which has the 14th highest incidence of Prostate Cancer globally, faces several challenges providing health care for individuals battling Prostate Cancer despite that it’s a form of cancer that is one of the least difficult to detect and treat.
Dr. Pinto notes that a lack of initiative by those susceptible to the disease to be tested, a shortage of operating or nursing staff, and a lack of equipment directly contribute to the high incidence rate. To address the lack of equipment he proposed Public-Private Partnership.
Prime Minister Davis acknowledges the need to address these challenges and encourages men 40 and over to get tested for Prostate Cancer.
“Righting the ship will take quite an enormous feat, and it may require cleaning house and bringing in progressive thinkers. We must make healthcare more affordable. It is one of the key parts of this administration,” said the Prime Minister.
The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville noted that Government is also looking at beginning certain phases of Catastrophic Care under National Health Insurance.
He stated, “We have a lot of work to do, and it will be done by Public-Private Partnership.”
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