-Minister Ramsaran during 2010 Budget debate
Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, in his presentation in the National Assembly Monday evening, in support of the 2010 Budget, said that Government’s policies have assured coordinated development in Guyana, hence massive investments made over the years in infrastructure.
He posited that as promised in its 2006 manifesto, this Government has significantly changed the landscape of the health sector by expanding the brain power to man the institutions.
He was also at the time responding to claims made by the People’s National Congress (PNCR) Member of Parliament Winston Murray who suggested that the theme of this year’s budget was a misnomer and questioned the sincerity of the administration in its willingness to work together with strategic sections of society to promote the vital interest of the nation.
Minister Ramsaran pointed out that notwithstanding the difficulties experienced during 2009, the economy was able to achieve growth. This he credited to the prudent planning and management and diversification of the economy.
He said that there have been and will continue to be significant developments in the health sector. Of the $13.3B to be used this year, $190M will be spent on staff training compared to $16M in 2008.
This will see 150 persons being trained as x-ray technicians, general and orthopaedic surgery and re-fractionists.
Minister Ramsaran said that Government’s development policies are not driven solely by the need to achieve a higher growth rate but to ensure that citizens benefit through the provision of programmes and policies implemented, hence making their lives better.
He stated that there has been an expansion in training of health care workers while good quality hospitals are being built. He cited the East La Penitence health center, a joint initiative by the Government of Guyana and the US based New Horizon Programme, which is serving a densely populated area.
Dental services were added to the institution within the second week of service and a dental suite is currently under construction.
This administration has recognized that the health of the nation is critical to development and progress, hence eye care and mental heath were put on the front burner over the years.
“This Budget will continue to train support staff to expand and complement improved health care delivery in Guyana. We will sustain this year what we have started and that is to advance health care delivery,” Minister Ramsaran stressed.
He also made mention of the Diamond hospital capabilities, noting that 80 persons are screened for eye ailments on a daily basis, while on the issue of equitable access, he said that the ‘CC’ Nicholson hospital has expanded and developed significantly, and will provide a higher level of service.
He noted that this year’s budget will see the conclusion of works that commenced on the facility while doctors will be added to man the institution.
Outlining other plans for the development of the sector, Minister Ramsaran said that the plan will also see 300 trained Guyanese doctors returning home to serve their country, adding to the additional 66 graduates who previously completed their rotation schedule and are now ready to be deployed to the various health institutions countrywide. (GINA)