Zavarovalnica Triglav dd : Better prevention means better healthcare for the people of Posavje

Five years ago the first two reference clinics at SevnicaMedical Centre became part of a nationwide project involving reference general practice clinics at which the integrated prevention and treatment of chronic non-infectious diseases among the adult population was carried out. There are currently more than 730 such clinics operating in Slovenia, with around 200 still operating under the old system.

How does the project work in practice? 'Patients over 30 are entitled to treatment at a reference clinic regardless of their diagnosis. They are invited to attend treatment in writing. The process includes laboratory tests, an ECG, measurements of body mass index, and measurements of blood pressure, pulse and pulse saturation. The set of tests can be expanded if the diagnosis demands it,' explains Vladimira Tomšič, director of Sevnica Medical Centre.'The project reduces health inequality, increases access to preventive medical services and improves the population's state of health, thereby reducing the socio-economic consequences of disease, particularly chronic non-infectious diseases.'

Prevention first, then treatment

According to figures from the European Commission, chronic non-infectious diseases are responsible for between 70 and 80% of all costs in the health systems of EU countries. While there are no precise figures for Slovenia, experts warn of the great importance of prevention and preventive medical checks. They are also aware of this at Zavarovalnica Triglav, which will have supported more than 20 prevention projects around the country by the end of the year.

Preventive checks for chronic non-infectious diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension and depression, as well as checks to establish the presence of cancer warning signs, are one of the projects forming part of the 'For A Better Tomorrow' New Year's prevention campaign, now in its fourth year at Slovenia's largest insurer. The campaign is part of the company's aim to help raise awareness of and reduce danger and potential accidents. Today these diseases are the cause of around 86% of all deaths in Europe and the leading cause of death among Slovenes as well.

The insurer's aim was to help Sevnica Medical Centre to provide the best possible care when tackling health emergencies. 'Triglav's mission is social responsibility and the creation of a safer future for all. We therefore decided to help, or support, those projects that leave their mark on the local community, as part of our traditional campaign. The preventive medical checks being successfully carried out at reference clinics within Sevnica Medical Centre are one such project,' said Viktor Richter, director of the Krško Regional Office of Zavarovalnica Triglav, at the handover.

Fourth year of the 'For a Better Tomorrow' campaign

The 'For a Better Tomorrow' New Year prevention campaign is already in its fourth year. Over the last three years, Zavarovalnica Triglav have supported more than 70 prevention projects throughout the country, with a further 20 or so receiving support this year. In recent years, the company have helped numerous firefighting associations around Slovenia, co-financed the purchase of defibrillators, an ultrasound machine and an ECG machine, and supported a large number of other projects in the fields of healthcare, civil protection, flood and road safety, and child development and safety.

As part of last year's New Year prevention campaign, Krško Regional Office has provided funds for the purchase of a state-of-the-art multi-functional ECG machine at Krško Medical Centre.