Dear Editor
I RECENTLY learnt of the transfer of one of Essequibo Islands / West Demerara’s best medical practitioners, both at the administrative level and attending to patients, to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). It is indeed sad to know that the Ministry of Public Health took such a stance from my viewpoint. However, it can also be viewed as a tactical move to strengthen the team at the GPHC, since Dr. Jabar has a track record of putting smiles on patients’ faces, even in times of uncertainty.

I recall back in 2015, when my grandmother-in-law required medical attention at the West Demerara Regional Hospital(WDRH) and was facing a difficult time. I remember making strong representation on her behalf and wanting to speak to the senior doctor. I was given contact details for the medical superintendent and when Dr. Jabar came to me, she listened to my case and dealt with it with full professionalism. I remember in 2016 when another family member fell ill and was given maximum attention from Dr. Jabar with detailed advice on how to handle the medical complications; and there are two other circumstances of similar nature.

In 2017, I was reassigned duties from the Ministry of Communities to the Regional Administration, Essequibo Islands / West Demerara. In performing my duties as regional information officer, I personally had the opportunity to witness Dr. Jabar coordinate four, yes four, medical outreaches at Parika, Wakenaam, Leguan, and Wales.

The outreaches were coordinated when she acted as regional health officer in the space of just a couple of months (two I believe to be exact). Doctors from Georgetown and WDRH had the opportunity to assist more than 1000 persons from these rural communities and I know Ministers Volda Lawrence and Karen Cummings were extremely happy, since the outreaches were in keeping with the Ministry of Public Health’s mission, which is to provide quality health care to all.

I believe the most admirable quality of Dr. Jabar is her ability to communicate effectively and her charismatic approach to situations. She always holds a smile and never complains, even though the difficult circumstances and limited resources can oftentimes send you crazy. She is a mentally strong woman and I hope that her replacement is as good as she or even better, for if not, Essequibo Islands / West Demerara will lose big time.

If I could, I would have begged for her to stay, knowing fully well her ability and zest to further improve our hospitals at Essequibo Islands / West Demerara, but maybe the ministry knows best. I salute you Dr. J and wish you tons of luck. Continue to be humble and as you told me before, peace of mind is the best medication to have the best health.

Regards
Ganesh Mahipaul