–over 50,000 Guyanese stand to benefit

THE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), on Wednesday launched their National Rehabilitation Services Strategic Plan (NRSS) 2014-2020 at the Pegasus Hotel, here in Georgetown. The plan was launched under the theme: “Towards improved health, partnerships and inclusiveness for all persons with disabilities”.
Present at the launching were Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Guyana’s World Health Organisation (WHO) and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, Director of Rehabilitation Service (ag) Ms. Debita Harripersaud and a number of medical doctors and health officials.

ACTION PLAN
Ms. Harripersaud in her remarks noted that the Action Plan is a part of the Health Vision 2020 which the MOH launched in the year 2013, which aims to ensure that all Guyanese are among the healthiest in the Caribbean and Americas by 2020.
She noted that based on a population census in Guyana in 2002, it was discovered that persons living with a disability are poor, old, uneducated or unemployed.

INCREASE IN DISABILITIES
She also stated that the prevalence of disabilities in Guyana is on the increase due to the growing incidence of chronic diseases, accidents and violence.
Ms. Harripersaud noted that national health outcomes have been steadily improving but information on outcomes for persons with disabilities is not as well known.
She added that the NRSS 2014-2020 will comprise stricter measures in order to counter disability in Guyana.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
* Advancing the wellbeing of all persons with disabilities.
* Reducing health inequalities for persons with disabilities.
* Strengthening the capacity of the health system to deliver quality, effective and responsive disability services.

DISABILITY HEALTH CARE
Health Minister Dr Ramsaran in his address noted that in Guyana there are two prevalent aspects of health care – mental health and disabilities.
Dr. Ramsaran noted that over 50,000 Guyanese citizens are living with a disability, and now with the proper funding and plans, they can work towards reducing that number.
He noted that for several years the MOH has been working on developing the disability health care aspect and although they have today officially launched their action plan there is still a lot more work to be done.
Dr. Ramsaran stated that the MOH will also be administering the NRSS at the University of Guyana in the near future.
He added that the MOH will be looking into more health systems, in terms of ways they can be developed.

NATIONAL DISCUSSION
Dr. Ramsaran also stated that a national discussion will soon be made with various agencies across the country to make them aware about the various health issues and how they can assist in the fight against them.
He noted that human disability is not only a health issue but it is also a social problem, hence several other Ministries will also be involved in the fight against disability.