…attended to over 21,000 people to date
The National Ophthalmology Hospital, Port Mourant, Region Six, was constructed through expanded cooperation in the area of health between the Governments of Cuba and Guyana. The prudence of such partnership is being realized as the hospital, commissioned by President Bharrat Jagdeo in July 2009, and the first of its kind in the Caribbean, is proving a boon for Guyanese.
The construction of health facilities around the country allow accessible, faster and convenient services to Guyanese, part of Government’s mandate to diversify health-care delivery to all.
On a visit to the Ophthalmology hospital last Wednesday, Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, met with the hospital staff, patients and Cuban doctors providing services at the institution.
Since its opening, 21,074 people consulted with the doctors; 8,932 were seen for refractive error, while 1,536 surgeries were done – 316 for cataract, 1,119 for pterygium, 52 laser surgeries and 49 minor surgeries.
Eye screenings are done at the four diagnostic and treatment centres, Suddie, Region Two; Leonora, Region Three; Diamond, Region Four; and Mahaicony, Region Five. These were established also as part of the health agreement with Cuba. This allows ophthalmologists to determine cases which require surgery and patients are sent to the hospital where they are able to comfortably undergo surgery.
Director of the Ophthalmology Hospital, Dr. Gustavo Vazquez Sarduy, stated that in addition to the locals seeking treatment, three persons from Suriname and one person from Trinidad and Tobago have also approached the hospital for attention.
The Trinidadian patient, who was slated to undergo surgery on Thursday, commended the doctors for their support and attention.
Minister Ramsaran indicated that Guyanese overseas are returning home to access the services of the hospital, and in future services would be offered to the islands in the Caribbean and other neighbouring countries.
Dr. Sarduy indicated that most of the consultations are for cataract, glaucoma and retina problems. The hospital has the necessary equipment to conduct the surgeries; however a specialist is needed to conduct surgeries using the laser equipment, especially for major surgeries.
He emphasised the need for networking with other eye care agencies within Guyana, as this would create awareness of what services are offered by particular agencies; and expressed interest in conducting screening in hinterland areas.
Dr. Sarduy and his team are planning to carry out screening in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine.
Eye Care Guyana, a non-profit organisation, provides spectacles for patients for a small fee.
At present there are 17 high qualified Cuban doctors, nurses and technical staff attending to the needs of the patients and the smooth running of the hospital.
Prior to the institution opening its doors, Guyanese cataract patients were facilitated under the Miracle Mission programme by the Cuban Government for surgeries to be conducted on the island. Since its commencement in 2006, the programme has restored the vision of thousands of Guyanese and people across the Caribbean and Latin America.
The ophthalmology hospital is expected to conduct 10,000 eye surgeries per year. (GINA)