Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis raised concerns over the state of the country’s health over the weekend, namely diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

His comments came during his address to the Former Hospitality Professionals Third Annual Awards Ceremony that was held at the Melia Cable Beach Resort Saturday evening.

“As a medical doctor and as Prime Minister, an area of deep concern for me is health and wellness.  I am particularly concerned with the high rates of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

“I first ask you to work within your organization to promote testing and education among your members to help manage these diseases, which are robbing us of too many people. These diseases, and other health care concerns, are a financial burden on so many Bahamians, as well an extraordinary financial expense on the public health care system.

“If your organization is able to promote better health and wellness among your members,  you will have provided a tremendous service to your country and to your members.  I cannot stress this strongly enough.  The high rate of diabetes in The Bahamas leads to other diseases such as kidney, and heart to name a few.

“By promoting health and wellness among your members, including testing for breast, colon and prostate cancer, you will help to save lives,” Dr. Minnis said.

The 2016 report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) estimates that nearly 70 per cent of the Bahamian population is overweight.