A THIRTY-MEMBER team, led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, on Sunday conducted the third in a series of geriatric clinics across East Berbice/Corentyne (Region 6).

The main objective of the exercise was to ensure that elderly folks have access to quality health-care in their own communities, rather than having to travel long distances to get to established medical facilities.

The team took their services to Reliance Village in East Canje, where 160 patients were seen by five doctors and one medex at the Reliance Nursery School.
Patients were offered a special package, in that apart from medical care, they were also given eye tests and reading glasses, physiotherapy, and foot massage. Their cosmetology needs were also addressed, and as an added bonus, they were treated to a delicious ‘seven-curry’ meal, courtesy of the Hindu community.
Dr. Mahadeo told the Guyana Chronicle he was overwhelmed by the response he got during the course of the outreach clinics, and that he was heartened by the effort his staffers made to reach out to the wider community.
“I want to stress that this new initiative is undertaken at no additional cost to the Government of Guyana,” Dr. Mahadeo said, adding: “Every project we do, is done with a principle, which is to execute with no budgetary implication. What we are doing here, is an example of what can be done in any part of the country.”
He also stressed the pivotal role community involvement plays in ensuring that senior citizens access health care in a timely manner. “The younger people must be aware of our programme, and do of their best to inform the elderly folks of our services,” Dr. Mahadeo said. “We commend those who aided our efforts, and we will continue to call on those in other communities to acknowledge the benefits of our project.”

GRATEFUL FOR WHATEVER HELP
Noting that the BHRA could not have accomplished what they have without the help of civil society and non-governmental organisations, Dr Mahadeo said:

“The government alone cannot manage healthcare; we need and appreciate any form of support from donor agencies and volunteers. Our task is not easy; and in unity comes strength. And that energy will be channelled towards better delivery of medical care.”
According Special Projects Manager, Ms. Melissa Ramdeen, it gives their medical and support staff some measure of pride to be able to reach out to the elderly, since many of them are unaware of what ails them, while there are others who do not follow a prescribed routine in maintaining their health.
“We are letting the elderly population of Region 6 know that they are still a part of our society, and we cherish them because they played an integral role at some point in our lives,” Ms. Ramdeen said.
The oldest patient they have attended to so far is 93-year-old Seepersaud Mangru of Canefield Settlement, East Canje.
The father of two, Mr. Mangru boasts that he has no major ailment, apart from arthritis, the common cold, and an occasional headache. He thanked the BRHA for coming up with such an initiative, and said he hoped that the service will continue.
“I am happy at this age to see development in our health sector, where medical personnel are going into communities in search of sick people. Thanks to Dr. Mahadeo and staff for this kind gesture,” Mr. Mangru said.
Lakhranie Baijnauth, 69, also echoed sentiments similar to Mangru’s. “This is a dream come through for me,” she said. “The services are wonderful, and the doctors here are so patient in dealing with us. Thanks to them, I am now aware of what steps I should take to address my health issues.”

NGO AND MEDIA INVOLVEMENT
The first mega-clinic was held at the Number 69 Village Mandir, and the second at Port Mourant on the Corentyne. Plans are also in train to host clinics in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam; on the East Bank of Berbice; and at Bush Lot Village in West Berbice.

Local NGO, Food for the Poor (FFP Inc.); the Region 6 Department of Education; the Hindu and Christian communities; and the media have all been listed as key supporters of BRHA in its outreach venture.
Other plans include holding ‘street corner’ meetings to sensitise the public on health issues, through the involvement of selected media operatives, who would speak to members of the public from a non-medical perspective on the reasons for maintaining a clean bill of health.
Other NGOs have also been called upon to render their support in ensuring that the BRHA maintains a successful mission in keeping Berbice healthy.
The BRHA hopes to visit each target area, once every three months; there is an ‘on-the-spot’ policy in dealing with minor and chronic cases of ailments, while patients with serious and life-threatening complications will be referred to the nearest medical complex.   (Michael Khan)