-to aid in medical outreaches, dental services

RESIDENTS of both Upper and Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will soon be able to experience a significant improvement in the delivery of health services, following the commissioning of a $5.4 million ‘Health Boat’ on Saturday.
During the simple ribbon-cutting ceremony at Charity Waterfront, Essequibo Coast on Saturday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that there will now be timely distribution of medical supplies and community medical outreaches. The boat, which is equipped with a 200 horsepower engine, will be able to go into the far-flung areas within the Pomeroom with medical personnel on board.

“During the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) campaign, we had in our manifesto that we will ensure that residents living in the riverain communities have better access to medical services,” Dr. Anthony reminded those gathered.

He noted that, previously, health workers in the region faced many challenges, including transportation, but now that the boat has been commissioned, they can effectively conduct their work and provide better guidance to residents.

Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, said that the boat was commissioned at an opportune time as the region will soon launch its Filaria Mass Drug Administration campaign.

“Instead of having residents travelling to access services at Charity or Suddie, the services would go [to] them,” Dr. Singh said.
Attending the opening ceremony was Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh; Regional Medical Superintendent, Dr. Sheneer Reid; Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, and Prime Minister’s representative, Arnold Adams.