London, Nov. 18, 2004
PTI
The Non-Resident Indian community in Britain is five to six times more
prone to be diabetic than their British counterparts, a top health official
has said.
"The Indian community here is five to six times more likely to
be diabetic and the Caribbeans are three times more likely to be diabetic
than their white counterparts," John Reid, UK Secretary of State
for Health said last night at a conference of over 200 Indian Pharmacists
organised by the Labour Friends of India at the House of Commons.
Complimenting the Indian pharmacists who combine entrepreneurial endeavour
with service to the community, Reid said "our reforming plans for
the health service are designed to support pharmacists in both these
endeavours.
"Community pharmacies are at the centre of our plans to improve
the National Health Services for the British people, particularly in
poorer and rural areas. Here the community pharmacist is often the key
face of the NHS for the local community and makes a real difference
to the lives of the people they serve," he said.
"Our reforms are designed to liberate and enable pharmacists to
be even more entrepreneurial in the range and type of provision they
provide. These reforms will provide an environment in which community
pharmacy services can thrive," the MP said.