As part of a broader push to tackle chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), government is exploring the addition of weight-loss medication to Barbados’ national drug formulary.
Addressing Parliament during the budget debate on Wednesday, Mottley said the move forms part of a wider strategy to confront obesity, which she identified as a major driver of illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
While noting that the measure was not explicitly included in the current budget, the Prime Minister stressed that it remains a firm policy commitment.
“Chronic NCDs is a continual challenge for this country, because whether we like it or not… without health you have no life.
“We didn’t put it in this budget, but it is already committed to in the manifesto… and believe you, me, we are going for it,” Mottley declared.
She said government was now examining how best to incorporate modern treatments into the public healthcare system.
The Prime Minister pointed to recent global developments in pharmaceutical treatments for weight management, noting that some medications were now “relatively safe”.
“We are now investigating how best to mount the battle against obesity… The reality is that in addition to movement, in addition to good diet, there are some people who will need the assistance of medication.
“We are of the view that it makes sense for us to put it on the formulary. Which one, the doctors will have to settle,” Mottley said, referring to the list of essential medications available at subsidised cost through the public health system.
The Prime Minister contended that addressing obesity could have far-reaching benefits for national health outcomes.
“If a person can bring down their weight significantly… you can probably have a better chance at controlling blood pressure, a better chance at controlling diabetes, a better chance at controlling all of the chronic NCDs,” she said.
Her comments come amid ongoing concern about the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases in Barbados, which place sustained pressure on the healthcare system and the wider economy.
Mottley also used the opportunity to reflect on dietary habits, acknowledging the country’s historical ties to sugar production while warning of its health implications.
“We may be the country that produces sugar, but we know sugar really ain’t good,” she said.
She stressed that the fight against NCDs must go beyond traditional fiscal policy measures.
“We have to address the issues that are challenges to this country,” the Prime Minister said, listing traffic, crime, cost of living and chronic diseases among the most pressing concerns.
The post Government looking at utilising medication in fight against NCDs appeared first on Barbados Today.
