MEDICAL services in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) reached a high level of dispensation in all the coastal and riverine communities. The two public hospitals located in Suddie and Charity, Pomeroon, exhibit very imposing aesthetics, having adequate parking and security facilities as well as patients’ accommodation.
The Suddie Public Hospital is about 200 years old, built by the British and the constant renovation of this structure, which is exposed to the Atlantic breeze, still exhibits its original beauty.
Charity Public Hospital built in 1980, and named after a patriotic dispenser, Oscar Joseph,has replaced the old cottage hospital built in 1935. Even though highly trained medical personnel like Dr Whaleing, Dr, Bender, Dr Gillet, Dr Gladstone Mitchell have left their footprints in service, this multi-production region is much more organised to offer medical facilities. With the exception of the two hospitals, there are 27 medical outposts, of which 18 are located in the nine Amerindian communities. While there are resident doctors at Suddie and Charity hospitals, doctors are detailed to service the health centres.
The unprecedented, regular visits to the region by Dr Bheri Ramsarran are also a complement to the social and medical welfare of the institution.
At Suddie Public Hospital beside the Diagnostic Centre, Dental and Eye clinic services are commendable. Trained dental personnel service the main health centres as well as a reliable ambulance facility from Charity to Suddie and the central hospital in Georgetown. In the case of emergencies, free air transport to Georgetown approved by the Medical Superintendent is given to patients.
Presently there is a marine mobile dental clinic in the region to service the Pomeroon River district and the communities in the intermediate savannahs.
At Suddie Public Hospital, maternal deaths for the year 2011 are zero. On the Essequibo Coast, health workers can be seen visiting communities; however, much more is expected from the public health service in dealing with community structures and sanitation – meat inspection services at the various abattoirs need to build public confidence.
While offshore hospital services by the US marines did not bypass Essequibo, many non-governmental organisations have given this region their full quota in all aspects of medical outreach.
In Region Two with approval from the REO, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Medical Superintendent, many volunteers are offering service to these institutions. However, in every institution whether government ministry, commercial bank, or private enterprise, there is always a ‘model worker’. At Suddie Public Hospital one such person is Ms. Shanter Springer, who is attached to the Registry. She exhibits a high level of public relations, as such from the islands, be it Bartica or Moruka in North West District. Ms Springer is the welfare icon.