NADI HOSPITAL EXPANSION Diabetic Hails New Facility
Diabetic Mohammed Ayub is among people who will benefit from the newly-refurbished special out-patients department at Nadi Hospital.
The new department was officially opened by Minister for Health and Medical Services, Rosy Akbar yesterday.
Mr Ayub, 59, was diagnosed with diabetes in 1999. Since then he had one of his legs and a finger amputated.
According to data released from the Health Information Unit 669 amputations were recorded in 2015 and the number has increased to 791 in 2016.
Ms Akbar said the statistics showed that the amputation rates escalated from 12.1 to 12.6 per cent from 2015 to 2016.
This, she added pointed to the alarming consequences of diabetes among people in the country. Mr Ayub said because of his condition he couldn’t carry out the role of providing for his family.
“I was a carpenter. I loved my job. But since I lost my leg I can’t do anything. It’s really hard nowadays for me and my wife. We just live on social welfare,” he said.
Mr Ayub is married but does not have children.
He has lived in Sabeto, Nadi, for more than 30 years.
“I want to thank the Government for this new department. It’s really a big help for diabetic people like us. Now I don’t have to wait in a queue to get checked,” Mr Ayub said.
He has called on parents to look after their children’s diet and prohibit them from consuming junk food. “Sometimes I would think to myself if only I did this or that right, I wouldn’t be in this situation but things have happened in my situation. All I need is to remain positive,’’ he said.
“But I am begging young people. Please live a healthy lifestyle. Refrain from eating junk food. “Living with an amputated leg or arm isn’t easy,” he said.
Mr Ayub also thanked the nurses and doctors at Nadi Hospital for their hard work.