Dear Editor,

I AM writing to commend the Ministry of Health for its remarkable initiative in introducing surgical services for the first time at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. This progressive step has opened doors to life-changing medical care for the people in and around the Mahaicony community, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to access elective surgical care.

Since the elective surgery programme began at the hospital in July 2023, over 300 patients have benefitted from these procedures. This accomplishment demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to decentralising healthcare services and emphasises the importance of improving accessibility and convenience for underserved communities.

The positive outcomes of this initiative have no doubt instilled hope and trust in the healthcare system among residents, affirming that quality healthcare is indeed a right for every citizen. The ministry’s efforts to bring healthcare closer to home will undoubtedly reduce patient strain and contribute to a healthier society.

Congratulations to the Ministry of Health and the dedicated team at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital for their outstanding work. I look forward to seeing more initiatives of this nature, as they represent the values of equity and compassion that should drive healthcare in Guyana.

Yours sincerely,
Peggy Garib