PBMA

 to provide a network throughout the Pacific region for medical practitioners to promote high standards of medical care and public health care policy and practice  to establish and maintain continuing medical education activities for physicians and health care providers practicing in the Pacific region  to support the formation of local medical associations throughout the Pacific region.  In support of this mission, the association will function as an umbrella organization to facilitate cooperation and coordination of activities between medical associations, societies and practitioners from the Pacific Basin.

 November 1-4, 2011  Chuuk, FSM  Theme: Reaching Beyond Thru Decentralization and Technological Innovations – PBMA response to the NCD Crisis

 PBMA endorses PIHOA’s Declaration addressing NCDs.  We must provide Medical and Public Health Expertise work with other stakeholders to develop policies and practices to prevent NCDs through health promotion and protection that address the following NCD risk factors: Nutritional deficiencies and Obesity, alcohol, tobacco, and sedentary lifestyle.  We must advocate evidence-based primary and secondary clinical and preventive care to address NCDs and its complications.  We must upgrade and update human resources for health training (basic and continuing education) to address NCDs.  We must strengthen Health Information, Surveillance, and Management Systems.

 Healthier members Need to start within ourselves Data show that most doctors in the Pacific are not healthy Most doctors in the Pacific are affected by NCDs and its risk factors Most of the doctors that passed away recently, died because of NCD related problems

 Moral support from each member towards achieving a common goal Cessation of tobacco use Limit the use of alcohol No betel nut chewing in the workplace Physical activity (walking, exercise) “Biggest Loser” Any member who lost the biggest percentage of weight through proper diet and exercise will get an incentive

 Members should set an example to the community (walk/swim the talk)  Financial resources for the incentive  We need support and if possible for other health workers to join us

 Adapt or Formulate Standards of Care and Practice Guidelines for NCD and its related complications that is applicable to our region

 Gather different evidence based guidelines for practice in the prevention and management of NCDs  Adapt and endorse these guidelines to the jurisdictions different medical associations

 Ask for PIHOA’s assistance for meetings/telephone conferences between the executive council members specially during this time that the Executive Council is drafting standards of practice that PBMA will adapt.  Work with the different affiliate organizations on recommendations of Guidelines for prevention and management of different NCD conditions e.g. (CCPI, PCDC)  Work with the other Health Professional Associations such as Association of USAPI Laboratories and Association of USAPI Pharmacies on recommendations that essential laboratory test and drugs must be available at all times

 Advocacy for community education and lobby politicians to support NCD emergency declaration and make legislations and directives to address the present NCD problem.

 Train other health personnel in teaching the community about NCDs and its risk factors  Give presentations to government officials and politicians about the present status of NCD in the region and why they should support and formulate steps to address this problem.

 Work with other sectors such as education, public health and community health centers for intensive education of the community.  Share slides/presentations with member associations specially those jurisdictions that already declared a state of Emergency on NCD  Ask PIHOA for assistance in making a NCD Policy/Law  Ask other affiliate organizations to help PBMA on training representatives of different member associations about Advocacy Training: Effective Speaking

 We must upgrade and update human resources for health training (basic and continuing education) to address NCDs.

 Continuing Medical Education of Doctors regarding management of NCD  Encourage students especially High school graduates to pursue courses in Medicine  Screen students and give recommendations for scholarships to the appropriate body.  Talk to the government officials for a solution on the present crisis for Human Resources for Health.

 Work with other affiliate organizations to include members of PBMA on their continuing medical education on NCD  Ask PIHOA for assistance with further training of doctors in prevention and management of NCD  Ask for PIHOA and its affiliates for help in sourcing funds for eligible students who desires further education in Medicine  Lobby if possible to the politicians about the under compensation of doctors and point out that it is one of the major reason why trained doctors from elsewhere chose not to come back It could also be the reason why the younger generations do not see the medical field as a financially rewarding career.