bolstering Region Six’s healthcare workforce

IN a significant stride for the regional healthcare system, 148 students graduated from the New Amsterdam Nursing School on Monday. These newly-minted professionals, trained in midwifery, registered nursing and nursing assistance, are set to enhance patient care and healthcare delivery across Region Six.
The graduation ceremony, attended by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, marked a pivotal moment in the region’s healthcare development. Delivering the featured address, Dr. Anthony commended the graduates for their dedication and urged them to uphold professionalism as they embark on their medical careers.
Highlighting the collaborative nature of medicine, Dr. Anthony described it as a “team sport” and stressed the importance of teamwork in providing optimal patient care. He also emphasised that the ceremony was not just an endpoint but the beginning of a lifelong journey in learning and professional development.

“Medicine is constantly evolving,” Dr. Anthony noted. “For those of you who have graduated as professional nurses, we will be introducing specialised programmes in nursing to meet the needs of the modern healthcare landscape.”
Dr. Anthony outlined the government’s plans to establish specialised training programmes in areas such as intensive care and cardiac nursing. This initiative is particularly crucial as the construction of the new New Amsterdam Public Hospital nears completion.
“We will need specialist [care-givers] to staff this facility. If we don’t train people, where are we going to get these specialists?” Dr. Anthony said, adding that some specialised programmes have already commenced in Georgetown. He expressed optimism about expanding the initiatives to New Amsterdam, ensuring the region’s healthcare professionals are equipped for the advanced services the new hospital will offer.
The Health Minister also encouraged graduates to consider careers in academia, highlighting the need for more educators in the field. He revealed that the ministry has partnerships with international institutions offering scholarships for Master’s and PhD programmes in nursing.
“We want some of you to return as educators,” he urged, emphasising the importance of nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Acting Regional Health Officer, Dr. Vineshri Khirodhar also attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of this new cohort of healthcare professionals in strengthening Region Six’s health sector.
The graduates were encouraged to seize the numerous opportunities available to them and to continually strive for excellence in their fields. With the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare services and fostering professional growth, the region is poised for significant advancements in medical care.
This milestone marks not only a celebration of achievement but also a promise of brighter prospects for healthcare in Region Six and beyond.