THE Bartica Regional Hospital hosted its first Healthcare Career Day Fair on Friday, bringing together several departments within the health system to educate and inspire young people about career opportunities in the medical field.
The event was held at the hospital compound from 13:00 hours to 15:00 hours and allowed students and young residents to explore the wide range of professions available in healthcare, while learning about training opportunities and potential job pathways within the sector.
Regional Health Officer, Dr Mark Allen, explained that the initiative was designed to motivate young people to consider careers in science and healthcare, while also demonstrating how they can contribute to improving the wellbeing of their communities.
“We set up all the specialties and departments within the hospital so that young people can see the options available to them in the science field and the health sector. We want them to understand that they can make a difference in their communities and contribute to the development of Bartica and the wider region,” Dr Allen said.
During the fair, participants interacted with professionals from several departments including vector control services, nursing services, rehabilitation services, dental services, and laboratory services, among others. Health workers also provided information on training programmes and employment opportunities available for newly graduated students.
Dr Allen noted that it was the first time the region had hosted a healthcare career day, with plans to make the initiative a biannual event aimed at strengthening local interest in the medical professions.
In addition to the career fair, the regional health team continues to host quarterly health fairs in communities and market areas, where residents can access a variety of services including voucher distribution, blood pressure screening, laboratory testing, rehabilitation services, and ear examinations using an otoscope.
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) department also provides education on family planning, sexual and reproductive health, and condom distribution, while the pharmacy team assists patients with understanding their prescriptions and how to properly take their medications.
Health officials said the initiatives were part of ongoing efforts to improve health awareness and encourage more young people to pursue careers in the medical field, ultimately strengthening healthcare delivery across Region Seven. It is part of HE President Irfaan Ali’s vision to ensure each citizen of the country receives world class health care across the country.
On that note, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health, who met with healthcare leaders of Region Seven this week, urged healthcare workers to ensure that services reach residents even in the most remote communities.
“The bottom line here, and one of the principles where healthcare is concerned, is that under this government healthcare has to be equal and equitable. Persons living in Chinoweng, persons in Bartica, Georgetown, Orealla, Anna Regina, or Monkey Mountain, they all must have equal and equitable access and if we cannot take healthcare to them, then we will take them to where the services are being provided,” Dr Mahadeo stated.
He further explained that the Ministry of Health has already been advancing this approach through several national programmes, including expanded eye care services. This has eliminated the backlog of cataract surgeries that existed prior to 2020.
“That is why I am saying in the case of cataract and pterygium, if we cannot perform the surgeries here, we will take persons to the National Ophthalmology Hospital and get it done there. This is the principle of the government. You would have heard the President say this on several occasions,” Dr Mahadeo added.
