NEWLY-appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Narine Singh, is eager to serve in his new role and to improve health services across the country.

Dr. Singh replaces Dr. Shamdeo Persaud who has reached retirement age.

Dr. Singh, who is listed as the most senior medical doctor within the public service, assumed office as CMO on October 1. He is a graduate of the University of Guyana School of Medicine and holds a Masters Degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Prior to his appointment, Dr Singh served as regional health officer, Region One; Medical Superintendent at the Suddie Public Hospital; Director of National Blood Bank; Director of Regional Health Services; senior lecturer at the University of Guyana; and an Obstetric Gynecologist at GPHC.

Outgoing CMO, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud said he is pleased to hand over such an important office to Dr. Singh and wish him well in the future. According to Dr. Persaud, Dr. Singh will do his work in the best interest of all Guyanese.

Dr. Persaud is also confident that despite the pandemic, Dr. Singh will find amicable solutions to several challenges at the GPHC, including the balancing of public health control and dealing with current economic challenges. He also called on the health team across Guyana to give Dr. Singh their full support as he assumed his new office and new responsibilities.

According to information reaching this newspaper, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle could not have been appointed CMO since she is a contract worker and has also reached the age of 55.