UK, NRI is five to six times more prone to be diabetic than British

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.