THE Ministry of Health on Friday launched its first ever medical laboratory technician and post basic midwifery training programmes in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
Twenty-three students are enrolled and have started training to become midwives while 22 are striving to become medical laboratory technicians. The training period for each programme is 12 months.

To supply and pay for each student’s housing, stipend, and food, about $23 million have been allotted to the region.
According to Dr. Ranjeev Singh, the Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region Two, the current government has greatly improved the region’s health services. “We are investing heavily for training of our students, of our people here in Guyana.”

He said as healthcare professionals, one should reflect on the investments that are being injected not only in the region, but in the country, overall.
“Our goal is to make sure our staff is trained to handle our patients with care; to make sure that we do not put strain on the existing human resource that we have but to ensure that we relieve them of that strain,” the RHO underscored.

Moreover, Deputy Director for Health Science Education Division, Chandroutie Persaud, expressed elation that the programmes are being offered in Region Two.
“We need all of you. It’s very important that you stay to the end of the training course,” she said.

With these programmes being the first ever for Region Two, Persaud said that while challenges will arise, students can count on the strong support from the Health Ministry.

Persaud disclosed that over 100 persons applied to be a part of the medical laboratory technician programme and these students will be engaged by the ministry and be given other opportunities through GOAL.
Furthermore, aiming to enhance the lives of all Guyanese, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said that the government is committed to providing quality training.

He was accompanied by the Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud, along with other regional officials.

Dr Anthony, during his feature address, said there were no postpartum hemorrhage-related maternal deaths reported in 2023. According to him, this represents a major turning point in the nation’s efforts to lower the rate of maternal death.
While appreciating the vital role midwives play in the birth room, he stressed that the ministry will continue to enhance its training programme.