AFTER ceasing operations due to a massive fire approximately one year ago, the National Ophthalmology Centre at Port Mourant in Corentyne, Berbice has been restored and is ready to re-commence cataract surgeries tomorrow.
As of Monday, the centre will provide services to residents of Berbice, but just one theatre will be functional for the time being.
This was according to Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, who deemed the institution ready following his inspection of the newly refurbished facility yesterday.
“Surgeries will begin on Monday, but only one theatre will be working because one of the bulbs is overused and another microscope is damaged,” he said.
The minister noted that he is appalled that something so trivial, as a light bulb not working, could halt the functions of a theatre.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the hospital is well equipped, but there is still a need for more human resources, in particular doctors, and that is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Chronicle, the doctor in charge of the hospital, Dr Videshri Kaydar, said the fire last year had destroyed one of their theatres and also other parts of the building. This, she noted, was a major setback because they were forced to spend almost an entire year sterilising the facility and replacing damaged equipment.
However, Dr Kayday said she is glad to have the facility back in operation, as they commence their operations tomorrow.
By Navendra Seoraj