Ramsaran reports Diamond Hospital functioning optimally
CABINET Ministers have been visiting affected areas as residents in Regions Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) battle with the overtopping of the river and sea defence caused by a 3.36 metres Spring tide.
Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, visited health facilities along East Bank Demerara to assess the situation and ensure that facilities are not undermined by the current flood waters.
During a visit to Diamond Diagnostic Centre, he said, despite being affected by the recent overtopping, the hospital has been functioning optimally, due to a well organised team response.
He said an electrician attached to the Regional Administration also checked on all equipment to make sure they are working to capacity and he found that, so far, nothing is wrong with the hospital’s systems.
“There were interventions to ensure that patients were addressed as we mobilised additional staff, “ Ramsaran informed.
However, he said that, because water seeped into to the premises, there has been minor losses of storage supplies, including dressings and measures are being taken to prevent a possible recurrence.
Ramsaran said the hospital was also provided with additional sandbags, pallets and janitorial supplies.
Director of the Diamond Hospital, Dr. Anwar Hussain said it was, at no time non-functional and services have been maintained despite the sudden influx of water.
“It was a sudden flood but, nevertheless, we were prepared in most areas to cater for this kind of emergency,” he said.
The Minister has since given the assurance that additional medication and equipment will be made available if required.
He said that the administration is well prepared to handle the situation and Diamond Hospital will not be closed at anytime.
“The Ministry of Health has sent out teams to monitor the situation on the East and West Banks Demerara, to ensure that affected persons receive proper health care, while more health care workers will be dispatched,” Ramsaran assured.
He said none of the facilities’ equipment has been damaged and efforts are being made to manage the aftermath of the flood.
Ramsaran also went to Craig Health Centre, Friendship Secondary and Craig Primary schools and interacted with affected residents in the areas.