AS heated arguments kicked off the first day of the National Budget debate, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings pointed out that there is quite a health package for the youths of Guyana and this is a clear roadmap to improve the lives of all Guyanese. She was rebutting a point made by the Opposition PPP/C newcomer, Charles Ramson Jr.
The Minister noted that under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration, youth unemployment was over 40 per cent, while there was no youth policy.
DRAFT YOUTH POLICY
“My Government’s focus turned the dial on reckless spending and now emphasises accountability,” Dr. Cummings said, adding that after just a few months in office, the APNU+AFC Government has made it a priority to at least have a draft youth policy completed.
According to the Minister, with 10.5 percent or $23.2 billion of the 2015 National Budget being allocated for the health sector, the Ministry’s focus is on several key areas. These include elderly care and youths, along with a number of strategies.
She reiterated that the Ministry will work towards the successful implementation of Health Vision 2020. Also strategic plans for programmatic areas within the health sector will be developed, while emphasis will be placed on reducing health inequalities, expanding of primary health care, arresting non-communicable diseases (NCDs), eliminating maternal and infant mortality and providing universal health coverage.
Meanwhile, $81.2 million of the $23.2B has been budgeted for the execution of the STEP-wise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) survey, which will collect, analyse and disseminate data, relating to chronic diseases risk factors, to allow a more evidence-based approach.
The Minister stressed that suicide is a major issue, pointing out that Baramita is a testimony of that since a child, as young as six-years-old, tried committing the act. She said there is urgent need to address this situation and her Ministry will continue to forge partnerships with organisations such as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to find a solution.
With regard to maternal health, Dr. Cummings strongly emphasised the fact that no mother nor child should be put at risk, and as such over $133.1 million will be spent on the expansion of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Maternity Unit, increasing that facility’s bed capacity by 50.
In addition, emphasis will be placed on men’s health, and to effect this a special unit will be set up at the Ministry’s compound.
Addressing the cost burden of health care services, borne by the elderly, will be a priority of this Administration, and support will be from the Social Protection Ministry, the Minister explained. She also stated that an elderly home care programme will be explored, to provide support to older persons in managing their health care, while reducing the cost burden to both the elderly and the national health system.
Minister Cummings also pointed out that it is the Government’s belief that, the procurement of drugs and medications was questionable under the former Administration. She stressed that it is her Government’s assurance that such issues would not raise their ugly heads in the years ahead, as the new Administration “focuses on transparency and on accountability.”