-Gov’t delivers on healthcare promise

RESIDENTS of remote riverine communities in Region One are set to benefit from enhanced access to healthcare and essential public services, following the commissioning of three new boats and engines during a ceremony held Tuesday at Kumaka.

The commissioning was led by Minister of Housing and Water and Parliamentary Representative for Region One, Collin Croal, alongside Regional Chairman Mr. Brentnol Ashley. Also present were Deputy Regional Executive Officer Mr. Shem Cuffy and other regional officials.

Two of the vessels have been designated for the Regional Health Department to serve the Mabaruma and Matarkai sub-regions. One, valued at $7.4 million, is powered by a 150-horsepower engine and was procured under the Ministry of Health’s 2024 budget. The second, costing $5.1 million and fitted with a 75-horsepower engine, was acquired through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC)’s 2024 budget.
According to Minister Croal, the new watercraft will play a key role in strengthening healthcare delivery by supporting emergency response efforts, facilitating medical outreaches, and ensuring the timely transportation of drugs and medical supplies to remote villages.

“For routine checks, we don’t have to have persons waiting to go to the hospital or the health centres,” the minister explained. “We can have outreaches—whether dental care or other services—and ensure that drugs and medical supplies are taken into the respective villages promptly.”

Minister Croal also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading healthcare infrastructure across the region, including investments in telemedicine and the deployment of trained healthcare professionals.
The third boat, worth $7.6 million and powered by a 200-horsepower engine, was also funded by the RDC and will be used to support administrative functions. Regional Chairman Ashley noted that the vessel will improve the mobility of regional officers, enhancing their ability to monitor and assist communities across the region.

“I’m very pleased that we are able now to increase the level of services that are being offered by the RDC to the people of the region,” Ashley stated.
The commissioning of the boats represents a broader push by the government to reduce service delivery gaps in hinterland and riverine areas. It underscores a commitment to ensuring that all citizens—regardless of geography—have equitable access to healthcare and vital public services.