Health Minister Víctor Atallah has highlighted the importance of promoting lifestyle changes among employees, and is aiming to make the Ministry of Public Health (MISPAS) a “model of workplace health and wellness.”
Dr. Atallah worked as a functional medicine practitioner before becoming minister of Public Health. He now is pushing his wellness philosophy in the Ministry. Recognizing that people spend a significant portion of their time at work, he believes that this environment has a profound impact on both physical and mental health.
The “Workplace Health Promotion” campaign is starting as a pilot project, with a selected group of employees receiving the necessary guidance to improve their lifestyles. However, the aim is to implement it across all levels of the Health Ministry and even in other institutions.
Through the Support for Health Promotion and Education Department (DAPES) of the Ministry and with the support of the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), the Health Ministry has launched a “Workplace Health Promotion” campaign, which the Health Minister has described as a “wellness revolution.”
“We live in a world of fast-paced work demands and daily pressures that can affect our health and wellbeing. At MISPAS, we believe in fostering healthy habits, including physical activity, a balanced diet, regular check-ups, and crucially, paying attention to mental health,” said Dr. Atallah. “That’s why this pilot program of the ‘workplace health campaign’ is set to revolutionize health in our institution.”
He explained that through this program, the Ministry will be able to identify specific needs, such as exercise classes, stress management, nutrition education, and recreational activities, taking a significant step towards a healthier and more positive work environment.
Meanwhile, the Vice Minister of Collective Health, Dr. Eladio Pérez, welcomed the initiative, as it seeks to channel and develop healthier lifestyles among employees, identifying common lifestyle habits and creating a healthier, higher-quality work environment.
“We are committed to this campaign that will provide education and help create safer spaces, promoting a more active lifestyle through physical activities, to achieve mental balance and better address each situation,” he stated.
The campaign also involves the Nutrition Programs, led by Dr. Patricia Grullón, and Non-Communicable Diseases, led by Dr. Andelys De La Rosa.
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Ministry of Public Health
7 August 2024