FOURTEEN volunteers attached to the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) are now equipped with medical knowledge and practical skills to be of service to the Upper Corentyne community.This first batch, known as the ‘Health and Wellness’ team, underwent eight months of intense training by Dr. Haripersaud Chand and staff of the Skeldon Hospital Complex.

At a recent graduation ceremony in the boardroom of BRHA, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Mr. Omar Sharief said President Donald Ramotar is committed to the development of youths and the promotion of a healthy society.
And, by extension, the Government of Guyana continues to explore opportunities through which youths can be nurtured into becoming productive citizens.
“A vision is one thing but the implementation of it is important to ensure that our youths become productive,” he acknowledged.
Sharief also challenged the administrations of the New Amsterdam and Port Mourant hospitals to execute similar training programmes, that qualify youths to serve their communities on a voluntary basis.
He explained: “Volunteerism is important, since caring for persons, especially the elderly who can help our society gain knowledge based on their life experiences are going to be your guiding scholars.”
“So don’t miss the opportunity to care for them,” Sharief advised.
The volunteers, who are mandated to report on their activities to the BRHA, will be equipped with medical paraphernalia to become effective care givers.

Be recognised
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BRHA, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo urged members of the Health and Wellness team to give of their best and be recognised as community health workers.

“We have over one hundred patients with chronic diseases in the Skeldon catchment area and each volunteer will be assigned to fifteen patients in the community,” he informed.
Mahadeo said, too, that he is confident the trained volunteers will contribute to the development of the Regional Health Care System.
“There are a number of persons out there with several complaints and our new team will also be required to visit patients upon their discharge from the Skeldon Hospital,” he indicated.
Dr. Haripersaud Chand, reporting on the training programme, said several persons dropped out of it. However, those who persevered will be part of the home-base health care scheme.
“They will be the ones to ensure that the elderly patients have access to medical supplies and remain in good health,” he stated.
The volunteers were afforded the opportunity of hands-on training among staffers at Skeldon Hospital.
The next course commences on April 18.
Written By Michael khan