The two-day conference is being held under the theme “Strengthening Management of Primary Health Care Systems” with special emphasis on Disaster Management.

Primary areas for discussions include: health buildings and infrastructure, recruitment and training, service delivery, procurement, supply and distribution of drugs and medical supplies, medical outreach activities in riverain and outlying areas and disaster management.

Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, during his feature address, said the meeting is being held at a time when the world is feeling the impact of the international crisis, when large sections of the population are anxious about losing their health coverage, their insurance and even their homes, and while Guyana is not immune to the crisis, it is nevertheless fortunate.

The Minister noted that despite the impact of external factors, this year’s budget has made provisions for the health sector. He encouraged that persons should positively evaluate, cherish and build on it.

Director, Regional Health Services, Dr. Narine Singh, said that the conference highlights the achievements and challenges, and also plans for the future, and he expressed the hope that at the end of the programme the goals which are set can be achieved.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Hydar Ally, said the conference will allow the group the opportunity to interact, share experiences and ideas on how they can better manage the delivery of health care.

“The nation’s health is indeed its wealth and this factor has become increasingly recognized, not only in Guyana, but in the world at large, since there is a very close, positive correlation between economic growth, development, health and welfare of the people,” he said.

He noted that government has been investing heavily in the health sector since health is one of its priority areas in its national development effort, and is reflected in the budgetary allocation which has grown steadily over the years with a significant proportion being allocated to the sector.

“The health sector development and our strategic plan emphasizes the importance of health to the nation…We have to be in the position to come up with ideas, plans and strategies and optimize the resources we have available to its best, so that we could provide a better quality of health care to our people,” Ally added. (GINA)