THE Home-Based Health Care Programme (HBHCP) which was implemented three years ago by the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) is progressing satisfactorily, and more patients are coming forward to access the services.Speaking last week with the Guyana Chronicle, Chief Executive Officer of the BRHA, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, said the services continue to improve, owing to the input of over six doctors across the region. “The programme has been successful, even though we have not seen all bed-ridden patients. We continue to implement ways to extend our services, not only to the bed-ridden but also to the pregnant women and those who recently conceived; but we are experiencing difficulties in getting to the nearest health clinic,” he said.

The CEO noted that there are 439 patients on the BRHA Home-Based Programme register, and he said the BRHA will soon be conducting a survey to have more patients enrolled on the programme. Dr. Mahadeo is also encouraging ailing persons in remote communities to come forward and access the services of the Home- Based Programme.

“Our long-term plan is not only to address the needs of bed-ridden and very ill patients; we plan to address persons over the age of 70, and offer counselling to truants and their parents,” he elaborated.

Dr. Mahadeo also pointed out that a doctor holds regular interactive sessions for diabetic patients on the Upper Corentyne, to encourage them to use their medication as prescribed. In cases where persons are incapable of collecting their medication, arrangements are made for same to be delivered to their homes.
In regard to patients in need of physiotherapy treatment under the Home-based Programme, Dr. Mahadeo indicated that a physiotherapist would make periodic home visits and render services, while teaching family members of the patients how to administer massages and co-ordinate exercise routines.

SERVICES
HBHCP Coordinator Dr. Narissa Ramnarine said the programme is working, and the BRHA — and more importantly the patients — are getting results, since the services go beyond visits,  physiotherapy and distribution of medication. The coordinator indicated that when the BRHA has items such as pampers, walkers, wheel chairs and bed pans, home-based patients would acquire them, once needed.

Alluding to the occasional delay in services, Dr. Ramnarine said, “We do have our hiccups due to limited human resources at times. We can do much better, but it’s not always up to us. We are working to ensure that proper patient care reaches its peak, and we are asking the people in the communities to understand our constraints.

“We are scheduled to visit patients once every three months; however, it’s not always the case, since priority is given to the very sick ones, which may require us visiting them more than once on a quarterly basis,” she explained.

Dr. Ramanarine said there are instances when patients access services from both the BRHA and private medical clinics, but the BRHA has no problem in continuing to support such patients. “We still visit them and do their blood pressure and sugar testing; and if they need our medication, we give it to them,” she noted.

It was highlighted that some persons had refused the services of the BRHA, and the coordinator said their decision is understandable. On the other hand, there are those who frequently call to access services. In some instances, very sick patients are transported to the hospital by ambulance for further medical attention, once medical personnel deem it necessary so to do.

Skeldon, on the Upper Corentyne, has the largest number of patients. Bush Lot Village in Central Corentyne has the next highest number of patients,  after which are East Canje, New Amsterdam and the East Bank of Berbice.