THE National Rehabilitation Services Strategy (NRSS) 2009-2013 programme, which was established to provide and deliver equitable access to high quality and consumer-friendly disability and rehabilitation services, was formally launched by Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran,  on Wednesday last at the Pegasus Hotel.
The strategy, which was developed by collaborative efforts  of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/ World Health Organisation (WHO),  covers all dimensions of disability and rehabilitation services provided in the country by the public, private and voluntary services.
The ultimate aim of the strategy is to improve the level of health and quality of life of persons with disabilities, facilitated in part by improved health and social facilities.
Dr. Ramsaran noted that massive investments were made for training programmes in rehabilitation services since the overall strategic objective is to prevent/reduce preventable disabilities and to increase the quality of life of persons living with disabilities.
Minister Ramsaran mentioned that various screening programmes are in place and are being expanded in order to address the issues of early recognition and diagnosis. Programmes are in place to address lifestyle-acquired disabilities.
Treatment and assistance are offered to persons living with disabilities.
In terms of training and opportunity for professional progression, the Ministry of Health has been paying a lot of attention to the University of Guyana’s medical faculty and at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation which evolved into the premier centre for training in the area of health care delivery.
In addition, Dr. Ramsaran said, with support from members within the MOH, the introduction of a Rehabilitation Sciences Degree and an Optometry Degree at the University of Guyana is reflective of the advances that the MOH has made in building capacity to deal with expanded services for the prevention and treatment of disabilities.
This academic development will make persons more marketable and also provide the opportunity to train local persons at higher levels.
The vision of the Government of Guyana is that Guyanese should be among the healthiest in the Caribbean and South America. In pursuit of that vision, the mission of the Ministry of Health is to create an enabling framework for the delivery of quality and responsive health services to improve the physical, mental and social well being of the Guyanese people. This will ensure access to essential services particularly for the poor.
Minister Ramsaran stated that the NRSS 2009-2013 programme is an opportunity to create a tool that will allow the country to get the best of its investment in infrastructure and training, which will be a robust input towards Guyana. (GINA)