Dear Editor,
Within the world many countries strive to achieve great healthcare in support of longevity. Spain is amongst this group and has shown good results in both areas. Their healthcare system offers universal healthcare that is tax funded and guaranteed by their constitution. They have many highly trained professionals, advanced technology and high-quality comprehensive care within their system. It is a free of charge system that is decentralized. (Reference: euro health observatory, Spain: health system review).
Longevity in Spanish society is also rooted in prevention via a healthy diet, a healthy environment, exercise, and social engagement. The diet primarily linked to good health comprises of leafy greens, whole grains, dairy, reduced intake of added sugar and processed foods, and plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. The healthy environment of Spain benefits from a focus on renewable energy (solar and wind), and low hazardous emissions via strict monitoring by their equivalent of an environmental protection agency. These agencies are Spain’s MITECO, SEPRONA and OECC. Exercise in Spain is similar to that in Guyana and is primarily walking and cycling. As for social engagement this is accomplished via cooperatives, government programs that help vulnerable youth and the elderly, and social activities to aid in healthy aging.
There are many similarities between what Spain has accomplished and the potential trajectory of Guyana. Our public healthcare system is in the process of being upgraded, and our Nation’s Constitution does speak to the right of every citizen to receive free medical attention. Thus, placing us on a path that allows us to benchmark Spain’s healthcare system in order to incorporate their best practices. The use of village and community clinics will also provide us with a path towards a strong decentralized network that increases access to free health services across the country.
On the preventative level, the health of our environment is at a major crossroad. We have the opportunity to strengthen our renewable energy focus as Spain has done via increased investment in this portion of our energy portfolio. And our hazardous waste management process can reach global leadership levels if we demand and achieve better performance and monitoring from our agencies responsible for protecting our environment. The current investment in food security provides an opportunity to focus on the ingredients of a healthy diet and we must increase the emphasis placed on organic farming to protect both consumers and the environment from hazardous chemicals and fertilizers.
Infrastructure continues to be a major part of the annual budget, but there has been underinvestment in dedicated pathways along the roadways for pedestrians and cyclists. Going forward we must ensure that road improvement projects allow for these healthy activities. Increasing walkability and cycling will also have the added benefit of increasing social engagement, which is also linked to longevity. Guyana’s social fabric is closely associated with our community activities, and the sports and culture within each community is similar within each administrative region. Thus, allowing for broader social engagement and social interaction.
CRG suggests that provisions be made in this year’s budget, and the subsequent budgets over the remainder of President Ali’s final term in office, for the funding of programs that will foster development in the areas discussed. As all of the Ministries develop their plans for the next five years there should be a coordinated effort to develop a joint initiative that focuses on fostering health and longevity for our population. This should be the overarching mission of each administration while in office.