– Prime Minister lauds investment

By Rabindra Rooplall
A MODERN nursing home and medical- services facility for the elderly officially opened its doors Saturday, with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo hailing the venture as one that was needed.Called Demerara Paradise, the facility is located in the gated compound at Lot 1 C Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. The opening was timely, coming just on the heels of the 25th anniversary of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), which was observed earlier this month.
Demerara Paradise operates out of five two-storeyed luxury properties. The facility boasts a collection of some of the best nursing and patient- care advocates providing a 24-hour service, including physiotherapy, psychology and medical support.
Apart from the Prime Minister, others at the simple opening ceremony included Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr. Karen Cummings, Copa Airline Sales Manager Nadine Oudkerk, and adviser to the Minister of Social Protection, John Adams.
Demerara Paradise Inc. has available rooms to meet the needs and desires of all patients. It also boasts private rooms which can accommodate visiting family members. There are on- site entertainment activities such as a gym, library and a cinema.
The Founder of the institution is Dr. Vivakeanand Bridgemohan, who is the former Chief Executive Officer of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba in June, 2010. He also served as medical superintendent at the West Demerara Regional Hospital – just two of the 10 hospitals in more than five regions in Guyana where he has served.
Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the success of such an enterprise not only depends on leadership, but the resources and connections to attract Guyanese living at home and abroad. He explained that such an initiative is worth the support of the government and all Guyanese.
Underscoring that the facility will offer care, love and attention, the Prime Minister said, “Persons visiting Guyana for its 50th independence anniversary and who want to enjoy the fetes and good life next year and don’t want to leave their parents behind, could bring them, since there is now somewhere they can put them, and somewhere where they know they will receive the type of care that they may have overseas, which has been a problem for many visitors, because of medical issues and periodical medical checks.”
Describing the establishment as a Guyanese specialty comfort zone, Mr Nagamootoo said the investment by Dr. Bridgemohan is congratulatory, since he and team saw a need for the institution.
Dr. Bridgemohan said the board of directors recognised that there is a need now to invest in a facility that takes care of the needs of the elderly.
“Demerara Paradise is truly a home away from home in a medically supervised, luxurious, safe and caring paradise. Aging parents’ declining health can be difficult to cope with, [so] you want to ensure that your parents are comfortable and well cared for with proper health care,” Dr. Bridgemohan underscored.
Minister Cummings said there is a demand for facilities that provide professional and affordable health-care accommodation for geriatrics.
“The APNU/AFC government will continue to formulate and establish policies and programmes to further cultivate an enabling environment for private enterprise to grow, develop and flourish in Guyana. We will provide a level playing field for private-sector players,” she said.
Advisor John Adams said the nursing home is a timely investment.
“The Ministry of Social Protection is pleased to be associated with such a venture. There was always a need for such a facility, and families would also welcome the initiative, which would make them comfortable to trust and care for their loved ones,” Adams noted.