China-funded Health Promotion Centre established to promote healthier lifestyles

The Ministry of Health is advancing efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and improve the overall health and well-being of its staff with the establishment of a new Health Promotion Centre. The facility was commissioned by Health Minister Dr Fran

Funded by the Chinese side, the centre – located in the Ministry of Health compound – offers rapid health tests and fitness facilities to the public.

On Friday, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony received a quantity of automated health-testing devices and fitness equipment from the Chinese Government that will support the establishment and operation of the Centre.

The initiative is designed to encourage Ministry employees to adopt healthier lifestyle practices through regular physical activity, health monitoring, proper nutrition and increased awareness of preventative health measures.

With the guidance of Minister Anthony, the Health Promotion Centre is being developed under the leadership of Dr Zhu Qianrang, Public Health Specialist attached to the Chronic Disease Unit of the China Medical Team to Guyana, in collaboration with AGM Inc. and Shandong Hi-Speed Dejian Group.

Once completed, the Centre will be fully equipped with a range of fitness equipment and automated health testing devices to support the monitoring of key health indicators and encourage staff to take a more proactive approach to their health and well-being.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown, this is another milestone in China-Guyana health cooperation that strengthens their partnership in public health and disease prevention. “And we look forward to working with Guyana to deliver more health benefits to Guyanese people,” it said.

Meanwhile, during Friday’s handover ceremony, Minister Anthony expressed his satisfaction with the commencement of the initiative, noting that it comes at an important time as Guyana continues to address the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“What we want to do is start at the Ministry of Health with our employees and get them into the habit of eating right and exercising,” Dr Anthony said.

The Minister emphasised the importance of the Ministry leading by example and demonstrating practical ways in which healthy lifestyle choices can be incorporated into the workplace.

“We have to lead by example so that the wider population can see how this works in reality,” Minister Anthony stated.

He further explained that the Health Promotion Centre will provide staff with greater opportunities to engage in regular physical activity while also encouraging them to pay closer attention to important health indicators.

Minister Anthony expressed gratitude for the equipment received, noting that it will significantly support the development of the Health Promotion Centre and the Ministry’s efforts to foster a healthier workforce.

The establishment of the Centre forms part of the Ministry of Health’s broader efforts to strengthen health promotion and disease prevention, particularly in addressing chronic NCDs. Through this initiative, the Ministry aims to create a healthier workplace while demonstrating the importance of preventative healthcare, physical activity and healthy lifestyle practices.