Let us wake up to our local herbs

THE EDITOR: Like many countries the world over, Trinbago places special emphasis on the adequate sustenance of health services — a practice regarded by many in the nation as a priority. We are undoubtedly a very wealthy nation, notwithstanding our size and age. Potential abounds in various parts of our country and where ingredients for growth are necessary, we have them in copious supply. Many believe this factor is a blessing to development and expansion. Foreign investors eyeing the country will see them as providing great opportunities. A great future for us lies ahead.

Currently we depend too much on the importation of medicine and other pharmaceuticals. With our natural and human resources and other assets, drug companies are probably asking for the keys of entry to start business. I am no authority on the subject, but I believe that we have already been marketing a few items locally such as shandellais, zebapick, chandon beni, bois bande, sandbox seed and wild cane. We must draw inspiration from the history of our flour industry. Many years ago, flour came to us only through import channels. Today, instead of importing the finished product, we import the grain wheat in ample quantity to fulfil the needs of our nation and, through processing, we transform the raw product into excellent quality flour. Through this effort, we satisfy our food needs and also provide employment for many nationals.

If we are behind in producing adequate medication from local herbs, I must say “wake up!” to those responsible for inviting foreign drug companies. If we offer them inducements, with a nation multiplying as rapidly as ours, our future prosperity could be guaranteed. Drug companies also can, if the opportunity is accepted, be permitted to bring foreign stock to augment the supply. The Government recently introduced an innovation labelled, “Chronic Disease Assistance Plan (CDAP).” The plan is a great blessing indeed especially to the elderly and indigent who can now treat their medical complaints as profoundly as possible and be relieved from suffering. It is a commendable and humane gift from a caring government, and may the Almighty bless those responsible.

We are often bombarded by complaints from the afflicted, who did not receive proper and prompt treatment at hospitals and health offices. To them we offer our sympathy and prayers for better luck. Today there are many who are desperately suffering from heart and kidney ailments who have tried external attention and have failed. The time is long overdue for the start of a scholarship plan to be introduced for the training of our own surgeons abroad. This will allay much embarrassment and discomfort. The nation certainly has the wherewithal to implement these plans.

SALER AMEERALI
Chaguanas