NCD’s cost TT $8.7 billion

Deyalsingh made this disclosure in response to a question in the House of Representatives.

He said this figure can be broken down into diabetes ($3.5 billion), hypertension ($3.2 billion) and cancer ($2 billion).

Deyalsingh said the Government will launch its new national NCD strategy on Wednesday.

Responding to a question from Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh, Deyalsingh said the strategy will focus on the early detection and treatment of lung, cervical, colo-rectal and prostate cancer. The minister said more needs to be done to catch cancer in its early stages for the benefit of both the patient and the health sector in general.

Deyalsingh also outlined steps being taken to improve service at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex at Mt Hope.