PHILIPSBURG:--- VSA Minister Claret Connor says he wants greater emphasis on preventing illness, encouraging residents to make better use of family doctors while promoting healthier habits through schools, senior groups and community organizations.
However, no structured screening programme, implementation timetable or funding allocation was announced during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing.
Connor was asked whether the ministry is working with family doctors to strengthen early detection and preventive care as preparations continue for the new general hospital.
In response, he said prevention requires more than medical consultations alone.
Diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and other lifestyle habits must also be addressed, he said.
Connor said he had internal discussions with his team about encouraging people, including seniors, to become more active.
Pressed on whether residents should be encouraged to consult their family doctors before feeling ill, Connor agreed that people need to develop habits of checking their health and monitoring issues such as blood pressure and weight.
He said preventive conversations should also take place in schools, sporting clubs and social settings for senior citizens.
“That’s the area that I would want to focus on, more prevention than trying to find a cure,” Connor said.
His remarks outlined a policy direction but did not confirm whether the ministry has agreed with general practitioners on a coordinated approach.
The briefing also did not identify how the ministry would promote preventive services, measure participation, or reach residents facing barriers to care.
Those details will determine how the minister’s stated preference for prevention translates into services and opportunities that residents can use.