THE health sector in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has reached new heights under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, according to Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Ranjeev Singh.

In an invited comment, Dr Singh told the Sunday Chronicle, that because of these efforts by the government, the region has seen improvements in health services and as a result, the saving of patients’ lives.
He said the region is now able to traverse patients from one location to another faster and smoothly.

“With that improvement of transportation, we have reduced significantly patient time and loss so that we can save lives even better; and infrastructure we have improved on every single health facility in this region, especially the waiting areas for patients. They can come and sit comfortable waiting to see their doctor or to repeat their medications,” the RHO said.

For the first time ever, Suddie and Charity hospitals are able to provide 24-hour access to medication.
“We have improved on our pharmacy programme to have a 24 hours [system]. Never before at public hospitals, Suddie and Charity as well, where the people who come in emergency basis in the nights can have access to their medication in the night; it’s a 24-hour service.”

As it relates to equipment, the region now has a brand-new digital X-ray machine and no longer do they have to use an extra film.
Also, they have started training 47 nursing assistants and they will be graduating in July. Notably, he said that 22 pharmacy assistants were trained last year.

On Friday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, turned the sod for an $881 million nursing school in Region Two.
The minister during his feature address said: “So, what you’re seeing is a transformation of the landscape, the health landscape of our country.”

Dr Anthony said that the building will be located in the compound of the Suddie Public Hospital and will provide training programmes for all categories of health workers.

Reflecting on the numerous efforts that the government has placed on ensuring that Region Two’s health sector not only stays afloat but is one of quality, the minister said that in 2023, approximately $200 million was sent to the region by the central ministry to rehabilitate the healthcare facilities. Notably, in 2022, the region also received $100 million from the ministry.