– Minister Ramsaran
MINISTER within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran has refuted the Kaieteur News article in its October 26 edition that the CC Nicholson Hospital has been hit by a doctor shortage.
The CC Nicholson Hospital at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, is staffed by a Cuban trained Guyanese doctor, who will be heading the institution, mid-wives, nurse assistants, a resident medex, pharmacy assistant, community health worker, community resource person, and clinic attendant.
Dr. Ramsaran, during a visit to the hospital yesterday indicated that the Cuban doctors at the facility were replaced by Guyanese Cuban trained doctors. The availability of resident doctors and a medex ensure that a 24-hour service is provided at the facility.
He pointed out that the resident doctor, Ameeka Breedy, has not yet taken up residence at the facility due to the rehabilitation of the doctors’ quarters not being completed. This was in a deplorable state and earlier in the year rehabilitation began following a visit by Ministry of Health officers on April 22, when a request was made to the Regional Administration for the work to be facilitated.
In this regard, he expressed his dissatisfaction of the Regional Administration’s support and pointed out that more support is needed, ensuring effective maintenance of the facility.
Additionally, furniture is yet to be sourced for the building. The Ministry of Health is working along with the Region to secure adequate furniture, thereby making the doctors’ quarters more habitable. It is hoped that by weekend the process will be completed.
Dr. Ramsaran also indicated his dissatisfaction with the appearance of the facility’s compound.
Apart from providing primary health care services, the Ministry of Health is working towards ensuring that the facility provides safe maternal care and deliveries. During the period, January to September, the facility recorded 54 births with no loss of life. In cases where there are complications during delivery or the pregnancy is high risk, the patient is referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
Of the 60 maternal cases admitted, six were referred to the GPH, 69 women attend the anti-natal clinic, and 75 infants and 149 older children are cared for on clinic days. On a daily basis, 50 persons visit the facility for health care services. The provision of services at this facility reduces the burden on the GPH.
Dr. Ramsaran noted that during a recent visit to the Buxton Health Centre, it was revealed that persons were unaware of the CC Nicholson hospital; in this regard the Ministry is working towards ensuring that the facility is well-staffed.
While on the East Coast, Dr. Ramsaran also visited the Buxton Health Centre where he interacted with the new doctor stationed there, Dr. David Nelson, and inspected the rehabilitated facility.

In a previous visit to the facility, it was observed that several rooms needed to be renovated; this has been completed and will be made functional to provide more services. A section of the roof was also replaced and an additional septic tank built.
The rehabilitation amounted to $1.5M which was allocated following a visit by President Jagdeo to the community.
Dr. Ramsaran also observed that work which should be done by the Regional Administration is not forth-coming, including maintenance of the health centre’s compound.
The Administration has been actively engaging Guyanese youths in the receipt of medical training, in an effort to increase the health sector’s capacity. This results in the deployment of health care givers to the various health facilities, throughout the country. (GINA)