Belize Intensifies Prevention Efforts Against Drug Abuse

As the world commemorates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, today Belize is emphasizing the importance of investing in prevention efforts against drug abuse. The theme for this year is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

In a press release issued today, the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) under the Ministry of Health and Wellness said that it is “committed to preventing substance misuse through education, research, and community engagement. The goal is to create a nation where individuals and communities thrive, free from the harmful effects of substance misuse.”

The National Drug Abuse Control Council says it stands united with a firm call to prioritize prevention in the fight against substance misuse.

NDACC leads Belize in prevention efforts through school-based initiatives that educate youths on safe decision-making, community outreach promoting healthy environments, parental engagement to strengthen family communication, and ongoing research to refine effective strategies against substance misuse.

Patient Neglect at Northern Regional Hospital?

A video making its rounds on social media has forced the Ministry of Health and Wellness to launch an investigation. The video, which was recorded inside the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town, shows individuals, including a woman, who were seeking medical attention.

The person recording the video says the woman was suffering from heart pain, and officials from the hospital refused to help. Other patients were reportedly pleading with the hospital’s staff to help the woman. That did not work, and the woman decided to bring public attention to the incident.

In a press statement, the Ministry said, “The video suggests that there was a significant delay in a patient receiving necessary medical attention.”

While the situation was resolved, the ministry says it takes “any allegations of patient neglect and staff misconduct very seriously.”

Ministry of Health says it will investigation allegations of patient neglect.

The statement said, “In response to the video and the allegations made, we have already commenced a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident. The Ministry condemns any behaviour that compromises patient care and safety.”

This is not the first time that patients have been ill-treated at the Northern Regional Hospital. In March, Jaime Castillo complained on Facebook that he was disrespected by a female security guard.

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