In an effort to reduce the number of people suffering from cardiac problems, the Health Ministry will be conducting screening programmes in schools.

Acting Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Ami Chandra said, annually the cases of people suffering from rheumatic heart disease increases, and this can be reduced through early detection and that is why they will be implementing this programme.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry and Friends of Fiji Heart Foundation of New Zealand have signed an Agreement of Assistance which will see the Ministry facilitating the needs of the team that comes in to perform open heart surgeries and pace makers in November.

The school programme is expected to start in March.