SCORES of people recently benefitted from free healthcare checks and interactive sessions at Fort Island Health Post, Essequibo River, during its first-ever Health Day. Adults and children braved the rainy weather conditions and visited the primary healthcare facility, which also serves locals from neighbouring islands and on the mainland.

They came in boats from Quarter Benabo, Whitputush Island, English Island, Morashee, Big and Little Biaboo, River View Mission, Upper and Lower Bonasika, Bendroff, St. Lawrence, Dukalabu Island, Bartica and other parts of West Coast Demerara and Parika.

They were also able to uplift the government-issued universal healthcare voucher, the spectacle voucher and the HPV testing voucher being offered by the Ministry of Health countrywide. During this exercise, a team of healthcare professionals led by Dr. Pooran Outar from Parika Health Centre visited to offer services in eyecare, chronic illnesses, family planning, dental services, post and pre-natal services, among others.

The team from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) held interactive sessions with the visitors about the various services being offered free of cost. Following a planned programme, visitors took the opportunity to see the doctor and also to pick up their medications. Community Health Worker (CHW), Pretty Debideen, who is in charge of Fort Island Health Post, told the gathering on Thursday last that it was indeed a day of unity and well-being.

“It was truly inspiring to see so many faces, young and old, eager to engage with the health screenings, educational booths, and wellness activities. Your enthusiasm created a vibrant and positive atmosphere, reinforcing the importance of collective well-being in our community. From the dedicated healthcare professionals who volunteered their time and expertise to the community members who helped with logistics and setup, every contribution, big or small, was invaluable,” she said.

Looking ahead, Debideen related that the success of Fort Island Health Day is a testament to the strong spirit of our community and our shared commitment to a healthier future.

“We are already looking forward to building on this momentum and planning even more impactful initiatives. Your feedback and continued support are vital as we strive to make Fort Island a healthier place for everyone. Thank you once again for making Fort Island Health Day a truly memorable and impactful event. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Pooran Outar said he has been visiting Fort Island since 2021 to date, and it is always refreshing to see people utilising the services offered and engaged in health talks to preserve life and to also have a more informed perspective of their health and well-being.

Chairman of Fort Island Health Committee, Mahindra Mukram, in brief remarks, said he was very pleased to see the large turnout, and it certainly would not be the last. He was one of the volunteers assisting visitors to make use of the services being offered at Fort Island Health Post, and like many others, he has been doing a lot behind the scenes to give back to the community.

There was also an educational segment where a brief history of Fort Island was recited by Videsh Debideen; a poem by Mariann Debideen, a high school student and remarks by Dr. Kenol Roshan of Exodus Eyecare; Jason Harris CHW of River View Mission; Geewantie Persaud, midwife of De Kinderen Health Centre; Dental Surgeon, Ceferina Brooks-Joseph and others.

After several hours, the visitors had fully utilised all the services provided and left the facility in better health since it was successful.