Health Care Agency re-introduces workplace wellbeing programme |12 August 2022
Dr Louange addressing the gathering during the re-launch of the programme (Photos: Kurtrine Albert)
The Health Care Agency under the Ministry of Health has re-introduced its workplace wellbeing programme during a training session at the Sheikh Khalifa auditorium yesterday morning.
First introduced in 2018 by a holistic team within the Health Care Agency (HCA), the aim of the programme is to complement occupational safety and health measures to make sure workers are safe, healthy, satisfied and engaged at work.
A number of staff within the HCA were trained to empower them to take care of themselves, their families and their communities. The programme was however ceased due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which diverted efforts and resources towards measures to control the number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
In remarks to officially re-launch the programme, the chief executive of the HCA, Dr Danny Louange, said: “In addition to taking the task of treating and caring for people with health challenges, we also have the obligation to look at our own staff and take care of the challenges that they are facing in terms of their health.”
He mentioned that since the number of Covid-19 cases in Seychelles has diminished, the HCA is now better equipped to re-launch the training programme that aims to build the capacity of its staff members.
“This training covers a broad range of aspects of maintaining and improving health and wellbeing in workplaces, at home and in the community,” Dr Louange explained.
He went on to note that the programme also tackles how to educate team members on how to exercise, monitor and control their diets, and how to balance work and lifestyle.
The leaders for the programme, Joel Edmond, then made a presentation on the benefits of the programme. He emphasised on the importance of workplace wellbeing within an organisation.
“Many studies show a direct link between productivity levels and the general health and well-being of the workforce,” he pointed out.
He also remarked that good health and wellbeing can be a core enabler of employee engagement and organisational performances.
The workplace wellbeing training was held for the employees of the HCA and will later include other units and departments of the health ministry.
Present to attend the re-launch of the programme was the principal nursing officer for community health, Mirena Souris.
Meanwhile general health screenings have already begun in some other units and departments and more will be conducted in the near future. The screenings are a way to identify any underlying health issues the health staff members may have and refer them to the specific specialists to receive proper medical care.
Participants also followed various other presentations on workplace wellbeing and the necessary training that come with it.
Sylia Ah-Time
