GOVERNMENT has taken aggressive action to better the health-care delivery in the hinterland community of Baramita, Region 1. This is according to Minister of Health Dr. George Norton, who recently visited the community and interacted residents,who had voiced their dissatisfaction with the health services they are receiving.

With a population of over 3,000, Baramita has only one health centre which is manned by a medic and a Community Health Worker (CHW). Minister Norton told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the health centre is broken, as there is no running water and no proper facility for treating patients.

He said, however, that the residents of Baramita can expect better health-care services over the next two years, as government will be addressing the issues that the community is facing.

The Public Health Minister noted that the intention is to condemn that centre and construct a new cottage hospital. “We wanted to hear from the residents themselves, so we consulted with them…They need all the services. The hospital might not be able to provide any major surgery, but at least delivery can be done and other minor operations and other services offered. Adequate beds will also be put in place, so that patients will be able to rest, until they are treated and sent home,” he explained.

Minister Norton also revealed that the Public Health Ministry will be facilitating the training of more CHWs, medics and midwives to man the hospital.

In the interim, the minister handed over two All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to the community. These will be used to conduct medical outreaches in the community and surrounding areas. Baramita will also benefit from a mortuary which is catered for in the 2016 regional budget.

(GINA)