-eye surgeries to commence tomorrow
The state-of-art National Ophthalmology Hospital was commissioned Saturday by President Bharrat Jagdeo at Port Mourant, Berbice. Eye surgeries will commence on Tuesday at the hospital which will be offering an entire range of services free of cost to Guyanese and individuals from neighbouring countries.

The Ophthalmology hospital is one of several projects under the Guyana/Cuba collaboration programme initiated by President Jagdeo in 2006, which includes the construction of four diagnostic and treatment centres at Diamond, Suddie, Mahaicony and Leonora. The institution is expected to conduct 10,000 eye surgeries per year.

President Jagdeo, during the opening ceremony, said that the realisation of the facility is testimony to continued efforts by the Governments of Guyana and Cuba to improve bilateral relations and promote greater development in both countries.

“We know what we are committed to, we know what is our task, how we have to serve our people and that is the primary focus of my government,” President Jagdeo said.

While reminiscing on the strong bilateral ties and friendship both countries have shared over the many years, the Head of State said that the 1950s period was a historic and symbolic one for both countries which were engaged in struggles for their freedom and independence.

Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran (left) signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cuba’s Charge de Affaires, Jorge Rodriquez Hernandez.

“If we look at the history of Guyana and Cuba, they intertwine; from the beginning of the revolution…because it was much later when we established formal diplomatic ties, these are all very important things, so it is very proficient that we are here today opening this center,” the Guyanese leader said.

He noted that during the formation of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) during the 1950s, providing basic social services to the Guyanese people was part of the party’s objective.

President Jagdeo told the gathering that it is his hope that, as both countries move forward, they can look back and analyze their progress and correct errors made.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran said that the genesis of the hospital is a symbolic moment for Guyanese since it comes as a package with new services offered by the Ministry of Health and the Government.

He said Guyana and Cuba have been enjoying and building diplomatic relationships over the years.

Prior to the construction of the facility, thousands of Guyanese benefited from eye surgeries conducted in Cuba under the Guyana/Cuba ‘Mission Miracle’ programme.

The programme, since its inception in 2006, has touched all population points in the country as persons were able to have corrective eye surgeries.

Dr. Ramsaran noted that since the construction of the four diagnostic and treatment centers, they have been providing the necessary services just as the President has envisioned.

The Diamond Diagnostic and Treatment center has been seeing approximately 300 patients per day.

Cuba’s Charge d Affaires Jorge Rodriquez Hernandez praised Guyana for its support for Cuba which dates back to the time of Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

“We have received the solidarity of countries all around the world, and we are proud of Guyana being among these,” he said.

Region Six Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha said the commissioning of the hospital bears testimony to the ideas of the administration in providing and improving health care for its citizens.

On February 9, the hospital began screening patients for various eye ailments, including cataract and pterygium, and thousands of screenings were conducted since.

Specialized staff from Cuba, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, administrators and bio-medical technicians will operate the facility until Guyanese medical students currently undergoing training in Cuba return to serve their country. (GINA)