MINISTER within the Ministry of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, at his Brickdam office recently presented Principal Regional Development Officer, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Anil Roberts, with 42 prescription glasses for toshaos in Regions 1, 2, 4, 7, 9 and 10.
Eleven Toshaos from Region 1, two from Region 2, three from Region 4, five from Region 5, 12 from Region 9 and seven from Region 10 will benefit from the spectacles.
The beneficiaries are those who were identified as having need for the spectacles during the health ministry’s eye screening on participants of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), in July.
Minister Ramsaran said that the assistance to the toshaos is ‘one symbol of the nature of work being carried out in the indigenous communities, as part of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration’s commitment to indigenous people’s health.’
Dr. Ramsaran said that the spectacles for the toshaos were produced by the Low Vision Centre, and each was specifically manufactured for its user.
The spectacles will be delivered by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry to the toshaos.
Roberts commended the ministry for facilitating the toshaos with the spectacles.
Toshaos to be assisted with a spectacles include Maurice Henry, Kawatta, Region 1; Ernest Dundas, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Region 4; Vincent George, Batavia, Region 7; Emeric Francis, Kumu Village, Region 9; and Wilbert Halls, Malali, Region 10.
Last year a similar number of spectacles were handed over to toshaos and senior councillors after they were tested at their convenience at the 2010 NTC.
This collaborative effort between the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Ministry of Health is ongoing in terms of ensuring that residents in the various hinterland communities receive the necessary quality health care.
The hinterland regions would have benefited from a number of medical outreaches, some specifically aimed at providing surgical services.
The ministry will be hosting an outreach in Bartica, Region 7 shortly, and another in Region 1.
From the regional level as well, the Health Ministry has ensured that Regional Health Officers organise periodic medical outreaches to the communities. (GINA)
Saved as ‘roberts’
Caption:  Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran hands over one of the spectacles to Principal Regional Development Officer, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Anil Roberts.