THE Ministry of Health, in observance of National Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Week, which commenced yesterday with a fitness walk, and will end with a health fair on Saturday April 28, has outlined several activities which seek to create awareness of laboratory work. Yesterday’s walk was attended by Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, and lab professionals from across the country.
The celebrations place emphasis on the fundamental contributions of Medical Laboratory Science Professionals to the healthcare system, under the theme “Laboratory Professionals Get Results”.
Medical diagnoses and treatment decisions are aided by the availability of timely and accurate test results.
This fact illustrates the need for recognising the selfless inputs of the ‘behind the scenes scientists’ in the delivery of quality patient care.
Some of the week’s activities include a blood drive, a panel discussion, a seminar, medical education presentations, and an open house and mini health fair at the University of Guyana’s Medical Technology Department.
During this week, the ministry will recognise the vital contributions made by laboratory professionals and the dedication of the practitioners of clinical laboratory science.
National Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Week originated in 1975 as National Medical Laboratory Week, under the auspices of the American Society for Medical Technology, now called the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).
In Guyana, the Health Ministry recognises the need for support staff at all of its health care facilities. And so Guyanese youths can access training which will see them functioning as lab technicians. The availability of this programme ensures that the health facilities have functioning labs, allowing citizens to access lab services such as blood tests.
Shortly, a batch of 30 lab technicians will be graduating and a similar number will commence training later in the year. This programme is a part of the ministry’s goal to continuously expand the number of services offered throughout the country.  (GINA)