THROUGH a joint venture between the Ministry of Health and the Laparkan Group of Companies, Day Three of the Oral Health Awareness activities were staged yesterday at the Centre Square on Water Street, Georgetown. Speaking with this publication, Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran said this initiative would be a continuous venture undertaken in the different regions across Guyana, with the assistance and partnership of other business entities.
Dr. Ramsaran said that, already, some two hundred citizens have benefited from the dental services being provided, and for that, he deemed the initiative a success.
“Today, we are on the Centre Square; that is, the area surrounded by Muneshwer’s, Laparkan, the National Museum and the Guyana Stores. (This) dental caravan (is) owned by the Rotary Club.”
Minister Ramsaran pointed out that the Health Ministry was in possession of two dental caravans; one was currently outstationed in Region 6, and the other was at the Graham’s Hall area of Region 4.
He said that for the last few years, the Health Ministry had been working to improve services to citizens by bringing oral health services to the community level.
“The Ministry of Health has two similar dental caravans and we are bringing oral health services to the community level. Over the last few years, the (Health) Ministry has been putting oral health on the front burner… Our caravans are out in Region 6, and… Region 4, in the Graham’s Hall area.”
He further stated that, earlier in the year, over 1500 person from within the Cane Grove area had received similar health services from this venture.
According to Minister Ramsaran, patients treated at the caravans do not only receive services, but are also educated on the importance of oral health.
“Earlier in the year, we targeted the Cane Grove area, where we did 1500 patients. So, today, we are trying to bring the public information about oral health, and sensitize them more about oral health.”
He went on to explain that, so far, with this recent initiative in the Centre Square area, persons have been coming to get looked at, and he was satisfied with the responses from citizens and their cooperation.
“So far, 65 patients on Day One and Day Two… We have 85 patients, and today we are targeting about 120 patients. We have four chairs (being) used, and we are providing all of the other resources — the dentist and technicians and other things are being provided by the Ministry of Health.”
Minister Ramsaran said that these services will be available to the public for another two days, and if the need arises, more. ”It’s a joint venture. We will be here for a day or two more, then we will move on to another area… This is a result of the direction cooperation between the (Health) Ministry and Laparkan.”