by Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, 21st July 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Dr. Denaesh Ariyanayagam, Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon at St. Augustine Private Hospital, is speaking out about the growing importance of patient awareness, preventive healthcare, and consistent medical follow-up in improving long-term health outcomes.
Drawing from decades of experience in surgery, medical education, and hospital leadership, Dr. Ariyanayagam believes many serious health conditions can be managed more effectively when patients are informed, proactive, and engaged in their own care.
“Patients should feel informed and involved,” he said. “That builds trust and leads to better decisions over time.”
Healthcare experts worldwide continue to emphasize the importance of patient engagement. According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and vascular conditions account for nearly 74% of deaths globally. Many of these conditions are linked to delayed diagnosis, inconsistent monitoring, and preventable lifestyle factors.
Dr. Ariyanayagam believes education and communication remain central to addressing these issues.
“Honesty, competence, and patient advocacy should always come first,” he said. “People need clear information so they can understand their condition and participate in their care.”
As a vascular surgeon, he has seen firsthand how patients often wait too long before seeking medical attention. He notes that regular checkups, early evaluation of symptoms, and better understanding of vascular health can significantly improve outcomes.
“Keep your eye on the goal and the big picture,” he said. “In healthcare, the goal is long-term well-being, not short-term convenience.”
Dr. Ariyanayagam also highlighted the growing pressures facing healthcare systems worldwide. The World Health Organization projects a global shortage of nearly 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, increasing the importance of efficient communication, patient education, and preventive care strategies.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ariyanayagam has emphasized structured planning and consistency, both in medicine and in life.
“Set realistic goals, create timelines, plans to achieve goals, and constant reevaluation,” he said. “That approach applies to personal health as much as professional life.”
He is encouraging individuals to take practical steps on their own to become more active participants in their healthcare journey, including:
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Scheduling regular medical checkups
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Asking questions during appointments
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Learning family medical history
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Following through with treatment plans
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Maintaining balance through healthy lifestyle habits
“Balance is crucial for well-being,” he said.
Dr. Ariyanayagam also believes that long-term discipline plays a major role in both professional success and personal health. His own career has been shaped by decades of continuous learning, beginning with graduating with honors and a gold medal in medicine from the University of the West Indies, followed by postgraduate surgical training in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
“Hard work and dedication of a lifetime to quality and competence,” he said, “is what creates lasting results.”
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Ariyanayagam spent 15 years as a full-time faculty member at the University of the West Indies and later became a founding partner and past chairman of the board at St. Augustine Private Hospital.
He believes mentorship and patient education remain essential parts of improving healthcare systems for future generations.
“Education creates the foundation,” he said. “But maintaining standards requires constant effort.”
Dr. Ariyanayagam hopes more individuals will take ownership of their health through consistent habits, better communication, and informed decision-making rather than waiting for problems to escalate.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Dr. Denaesh Ariyanayagam
Dr. Denaesh Ariyanayagam is a Trinidad-based Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon at St. Augustine Private Hospital. He graduated with honors in medicine and earned a gold medal from the University of the West Indies before completing postgraduate surgical training in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the International College of Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Ariyanayagam is also a founding partner and former chairman of St. Augustine Private Hospital and previously served as a full-time faculty member at the University of the West Indies for 15 years.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Economy Extra journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
