-Over 1,000 residents benefit from free services

IN completing its 40th mission here in Guyana recently, the George Subraj Foundation, out of New York City, was able to help at least 1,000 residents from locations all across Guyana to access a number of free health services.

Five clinics were held this time around, again in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara; East Canje, Berbice; Parika, East Bank Essequibo; and Kwakwani, Region 10 and with the Guyana Police Force.

Many individuals, who turned up at the clinics for eye tests and reading glasses, spoke about the high cost of having to acquire such privately.

“I think the places that offer this service are doing a good job as compared to other countries, but still, many cannot afford. So, after an individual tests their eyes and receives their glasses, I am always thrilled when I hear the words: ‘I can see bright, bright again’,” Project Coordinator, Richard Mahase told this newspaper.

Many of the individuals were given readers, distance glasses and shades and there was no shortage at any of the locations. In fact, approximately 600 pairs were given out on some days, including to children. The teams also saw some surprising numbers doing glucose and blood pressure testing. Fortunately, the GPHC team was on hand to offer advice and referrals.

This mission was planned to observe the birth anniversary of the late George Subraj, who founded the organisation, and Mahase said that without the support of some of the critical institutions in these times of the pandemic, it would not have been possible.

“At the grass root level, we are a people known to stop our personal work and help others. This has not changed and I was touched by the number of individuals at each clinic who came forward to help. Overall, we can say their cooperation typifies the nature of what’s known about us internationally: hospitable!”

As many as 100 persons were already waiting when the teams arrived to start the day’s clinics. Anticipating this, Mahase said they planted tents with spaced seating from overnight, so there would be adequate social distancing. While the number of persons who showed up at the clinics was about 25 per cent less than previous ones, Mahase said an earlier cut-off point than usual was set to avoid unnecessary build-up or last-minute rush.
He said the foundation is grateful to the Chief Executive Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex, Rudolph Small, and other officers there who helped to facilitate the trip to Kwakwani; and also, to Head of the COVID-19 Task Force, Colonel Nazrul Hussain; Dr. Shailendra Sugrim of GPHC, and Regional Health Officers of Regions Four, Six, and 10.

With members based in New York, the foundation has been coordinating various health initiatives in Guyana since in the early 1990s, doing so with personal funds in an effort to give back to the country. The late George Subraj had pioneered Guyana’s first kidney transplant in 2008 and had completed dozens of missions, participating in both kidney and cornea transplants. His team also initiated the Nationwide Health Education Programme (SEVAK) providing free hypertension and glucose testing.