Blind Society inaugurates clinic for disabled
THE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Guyana Society for the Blind, started a medical clinic yesterday, to facilitate equity in health care, especially for organisations catering to the disabled. Part of the Health Ministry’s 2012 plan is to ensure quality health care is given to all citizens of Guyana, despite the challenges they face and their lifestyles.
Inter-Ministerial Sector Coordinator, Mr. Seewchand, of the Health Ministry, said that the government will do everything possible to make sure the goal is achieved in an effective way.
He reminded that persons who are visually impaired still have a significant role to play in the development of Guyana and commended the initiative by the President of the Blind Society, Mr. Cecil Morris, to establish  a clinic at their premises.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Michael Gouveia, Coordinator of  Indigenous Peoples Communities, admitted that persons who are blind still can contribute a lot to the developmental process and help to take the country  forward in many different ways.
As such, he remarked that the maintenance of their health like a normal individual is very important.
Gouveia said the ministry is always pleased to know that it could make a contribution to the lives of persons with disabilities.

Long term
He said the ministry is committed to ensuring that this venture is a long-term one that would not be left in a corner and will see to it that the necessary health resources are made available to guarantee that the Blind Institute receives quality health care.
“It’s not something that is commencing today and we will close off on a short term but will ensure that we work along with the Blind Association to make this venture a success,” Gouveia pledged.
He told the intended beneficiaries:“Whatever health services are needed we will put measures in place to ensure that you are treated with the best care possible through collaborative efforts with the various hospitals across the country.”
Gouveia said, if there is an instance where services are needed by the visually impaired and cannot be rendered through the clinic at the Blind Society, steps will be taken to ensure that the persons are transported to hospitals in close proximity to be treated and in a timely manner.
He added that more emphasis will be placed on the delivery of quality health care when the clinic is up and running the second Wednesday in every month.
The institution of the clinic was initiated by the Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, following a discussion with President Morris of the Blind Society and, at the start of the month’s activities for the visually impaired, it was decided that this vision would have been realised.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the City Council and Guyana Power & Light (GPL) to clean the surroundings and install lights for the Blind Institute.