AS part of celebrations to mark its 56th anniversary, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) hosted a medical outreach in the community of Kaikan, Upper Cuyuni, Region Seven.

Medical personnel from the GDF and volunteers from the health sector administered medical care to the residents in optometry, dentistry, paediatrics, radiology (ultrasound), COVID-19, vaccination, laboratory tests, and cervical cancer screening, among others. The residents also received prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals.

The outreach was conducted recently and is aimed at bridging the gap between the urgent need and timely access to medical care by residents of the remote hinterland community.

It provided economic relief to the people by cutting the cost and constraints they would have otherwise incurred if they had to travel to seek medical services not available at the community health centre.

The outreach was complemented by collaborations between the GDF, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), SEWA Guyana International, the Cheddi Jagan Dental School, and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Scores of residents from Kaikan, Arau, San Juan and surrounding villages were able to access timely medical care as well as to address several health issues.

Migrants residing in the community of Kaikan were also able to benefit from the services provided during the outreach. Additionally, approximately 300 residents benefited from humanitarian aid in the form of hampers distributed by representatives of IOM, CIOG, and SEWA International Guyana.

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, and a team of officials comprising the National Security Adviser, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Director of Youth, Suresh Singh; and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, visited the community and interacted with residents and medical staff during the outreach.

Ninvalle presented several sport equipment to the community and, during brief remarks, emphasised the government’s commitment to the development of all communities.

Toshao of Kaikan, Marlon Williams, expressed his elation and heartfelt gratitude to the GDF and stakeholders for their timely intervention. He used the opportunity to convey his anticipation and willingness to partner with stakeholders to develop his community and its people in the future.

Brigadier Bess, in brief remarks, reiterated the GDF’s commitment to “build and enhance communities across the country” as it remains duty-bound in the execution of its roles as mandated by the Defence Act of the Constitution.

The GDF is celebrating its 56th Anniversary, having been established on November 1, 1965, immediately following the disbanding of the British Guiana Volunteer Force.