– five regions benefit

THE Ministry of Public Health, on Thursday, delivered some $70M in equipment to several hinterland regions as part of its mandate to improve healthcare delivery countrywide.
Representatives from Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine, and 10 received the equipment from the Minister of Public Health, the Hon Volda Lawrence. It included five boats and outboard motors, two ATVs, a Mindray Z6 Ultrasound machine, vital signs monitor, a Mindray electrocardiograph and other state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Minister Lawrence noted that the investment demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Guyanese have access to quality healthcare. “I am pleased to see the representatives here for the Linden Hospital Complex because we know that this will enable them to reduce the number of transfers to our tertiary institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, but more important, is being able to provide to Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, not only equipment, but also transportation for our midwives, our community health workers and nurses,” she stated.

The minister said the equipment would boost the implementation of programmes in the hinterland regions such as the vaccination programmer, while the boats and ATVs would improve access to riverine and far-flung communities. Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako, underscored that the ministry is committed to ensuring that persons have access to healthcare services, regardless of their location. “I am happy with the variety of equipment in terms of our Cardiac monitors, our ultrasound, the anaesthetic machine, the lab machine, the engines that we have here. This is something great for our healthcare delivery and even as we continue to talk about improving our services, we want our services to be safe, effective, efficient, timely, and there must be equity in the delivery of our health services.” The supply of the equipment is a collaborative effort between the health ministry and the Ministry of Communities. (DPI)