MINISTER of Public Health, Dr. Volda Lawrence, on Friday, visited the National Ophthalmology Hospital (NOH) in Port Mourant, where a team of US Army Doctors from the New Horizon Mission has been performing surgeries since Monday last.

The United States (US) Army’s New Horizon Mission has been stationed at the NOH since May 1, 2019 where they helped to set up equipment and facilities for the screening and surgeries. They screened in excess over 100 patients daily, after which a total of 272 were given the opportunity to access surgeries for cataract and pterygium.

The minister was accompanied by Focal Point Coordinator, Alex Foster, and Doctor in Charge of Port Mourant Hospital, Dr. Devendra Radhay. The minister was given the opportunity to tour the facility and witness firsthand, the process of how the surgeries are conducted. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Lawrence said she was fortunate to see the New Horizon team in operation, not only prepping the patient for operation, but the opportunity to go into the theatre and see them at work together with the local team.
“I was fortunate to be able to see the team in operation…but also to see the type of equipment they have; portable and easy-to-use with back-up systems and so on. It says a lot for us and speaks to some of the ways we have to look at the type of equipment we are buying… we know it may be expensive but then to look at the pros and cons, so I think that was very striking and I also appreciate the way in which there was a good flow between the local staff and the team. The smiles that this mission, through our collaboration, has been able to put on the faces of our people are rewarding,” said the minister.

She also took the time to interact with patients who were prepped for surgeries as well as those who were in recovery. She wished each person a speedy and safe recovery and extended early Mother’s Day greetings to the women.

Ophthalmologist Col. Darrel Carlton stated that the partnership has been a successful one and he is pleased to be a part of the mission which has been transforming the lives of many. He noted the team consists of twenty one members including 13 surgeons and eight support staff. Dr. Carlton explained that they have been conducting approximately 40 surgeries per day with an average of 20-40 minutes for completion.

He added that seeing the impact the operation has on the life of an individul is amazing, as that individual not only see their life changing around them, but their families and community also.

Budram Lall, a father of 13 who was in the recovery room when he was greeted by Minister Lawrence, said he has been living with cataract since 1996 and was moved to tears now that he can see better.

Lall 85, of Street 9, Hampshire Village, Corentyne, said he is ecstatic as he will “clearly see” his children and play with his grands and great-grandchildren. He thanked the minister for her visit and at the same time expressed profound gratitude to the US Army medical team for the giving him a second chance at sight. Another recipient, Agnes Blair 84, of Adelphi Village, East Canje, expressed gratitude to the hospital and the New Horizon team for providing her with better sight.

Meanwhile, a team from the Sai Baba Mission is expected to visit soon and will also conduct eye surgeries at the NOH. Additionally, a two-member team from Ghana, in West Africa, led by Dr. Baoteng Wiafe and a nurse, recently completed 22 surgeries prior to the arrival of the US team. They have expressed satisfaction with the facilities and aftercare provided by the local team.