SINCE the 2005 flood, the Ministry of Health has put in place a strong network to respond to disasters caused by floods and the public health threats that arise in densely populated areas.
Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) yesterday at his Brickdam office, said that the system has become more robust and capable of aggressive response with the addition of scores of newly qualified medical personnel, particularly those who have returned from Cuba and a large number of medex who recently completed training.
Dr. Ramsaran explained that the last batch of medex comprised 30 persons and these are well prepared to deal with flood conditions and public health threats arising due to areas being inundated.
Dr. Ramsaran disclosed that starting today, there will be several outreaches targeting communities along the Mahaicony and Mahaica Creeks. The medex stationed at Mora Point, Alana Vaughn, will be receiving support from the ministry to visit homes where persons are unable to approach the health centre for care.
Medex Vaughn has been delivering services to dozens of persons since the area began experiencing flooding.
Meanwhile, medex Shemroy Miller, who is stationed at the Moraikobai Health Centre, will be covering the distant parts of the creek in the Amerindian settlement.
Dr. Ramsaran pointed out that tomorrow and Friday, another medical team from Georgetown, comprising both medex and doctors, will be visiting communities in the Mahaica and Mahaicony creeks to boost efforts.
On March 28, efforts will continue with a team from Region Five.
In Region Six, areas such as Fort Ordinance and New Forest, which have been severely affected, are currently being monitored.
Dr. Ramsaran noted that medication has been pre-packed at the Health Ministry’s bond, creating flood kits that consist of specially selected drugs which are used to fight water borne diseases.
Similar efforts have been executed in Region Three, with five medex and doctors being deployed to the De Kinderen, Meten-Meer-Zorg and Prem Nagar Area G housing areas, where they carried out emergency house-to-house health visits. Residents were given medication for health concerns brought on by the flood, and advice was dispensed on proper hygiene and health precautions.
These efforts illustrate the Health Ministry’s quick response to alleviating possible health risks to residents brought on by La Nina conditions.
(GINA)