CHIEF Executive Officer of the Berbice Regional Authority, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo says that despite getting some criticism for its services to the community, the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) has justifiably issued several accolades to health workers and other personnel.

Included among the awardees are Champion Worker, Senior Health Visitor Terry Davis-Chester, People’s Choice Award winner, Candy Archer of the New Amsterdam Blood Bank, and Nurse-in-charge of the Number 47 Health Centre Brenda Lewis.
The Number 47 Health Centre was regarded as the best allowing Archer to grab the coveted People’s Choice Award of a $50,000 shopping spree while Skeldon Health Centre was the runner-up.
The winning clinic received a plaque which will be kept for a year and a monetary gift of $50,000.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Permaul David Armogan, a former Board Chairman of BRHA, received an award for his tenure at the helm of the institution , while former GT&T CEO, now CEO of  Inspire Inc., Yog Mahadeo received  ‘The True Friend Award’, and Cuban  psychiatrist Mayda Grajales  copped the CEO Award, in recognition of her work at the country’s only National Psychiatric Hospital.
Moreover, several retirees were given packages, compliments of Inspire Inc, while blood donors and corporate entities were recognized for their contributions to the health sector during the past year.

Complaints
Dr. Mahadeo noted that over 600 complaints were filed in 2012 and   95% were resolved “in a very, very short time,” while the other five percent were sent to the Board to be addressed.
“These complaints help us to see ourselves in the eyes of the clientele,” he explained.
Additionally, the CEO told the invitees that hundreds of diabetic patients have been seen across the region, reducing significantly the number of amputations as a result of the improved foot care by staff members.
Mahadeo maintained, however, that although the health care system had issues in 2012 and there were staff that needed to be disciplined, “the vast majority of over 700 workers went beyond the call of duty to serve.”
He expressed gratitude to the medical and auxiliary staff even as he noted that, “We cannot award everyone but most of them deserve an award.”
Meanwhile the programme which lasted just over three hours was spiced with cultural items by the Ishara Dance Group and the Buxton Fusion. Among those in attendance were Regional Executive Officer, Paul Ramrattan, Regional Chairman, David Armogan, Member of Parliament, Faizal Jafrally and Magistrate Krishndat Persaud.