AS the Health Ministry (MoH) continues to expand its work force, 90 individuals graduated last Wednesday in five categories of medical technical expertise in a ceremony held at the Marian Academy.

Twenty-three persons are now Environmental Health Assistants, 22 are Dental Assistants, 18 are Pharmaceutical Assistants, 20 are Laboratory Technicians, and 7 are X-ray Technicians.

Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to further their studies, to work harder, and to attend the University of Guyana.

He also thanked the division of Health Sciences Education for rolling out these training programmes.

The Minister said the ceremony is an example of the success of the work of the MoH. “The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, has been investing more in the education of health care providers, and this is another success of that programme,” he said.

He added that the graduating individuals would complement the Regional Health Services, and he noted: “There are difficulties in the communities where you will be able to help.”

The Minister also thanked the parents of the graduands, and encouraged them to continue supporting and encouraging their children to further elevate themselves.

Minister Ramsaran pointed out that these programmes are showing success, as compared to the nursing programmes. He, however, added that the Ministry has put in place several measures to address this issue, including collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and engaging a highly qualified person who is working along with nursing tutors to have a better delivery of the curriculum.

Along with certification, awards were also given out to the best graduating and most improved students in each category.

The students expressed gratitude to the Ministry for giving them this opportunity, and encouraged others to participate in the opportunity.

Thirty-nine registered nurses recently received diplomas after completing the Professional Nursing programme, while 54 Nursing Assistants received certificates in that area at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing’s 13th biennial graduation. This reflects Government’s continued efforts to ensure all of its people benefit from the best quality of health care service.

(GINA)