THE Ministry of Health was yesterday presented with 20 large containers of medical equipment and supplies from the United States Military’s Continuing Promise 2010 mission. Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran noted that the Ministry is being given medical consumables with respectable expiration dates. A vast majority of the items will meet their expiration date in 2011-2012 and are compatible with those used in Guyana.
He emphasised that the items are well packaged and it is hoped that they will be used during medical outreaches.
In this regard, Dr. Ramsaran indicated that a team of doctors is preparing to re-visit Mabaruma, in a continued private/public partnership, aimed at ensuring the provision of quality medical services to citizens in Region One.
Major Brook Elkins of the US Embassy, indicated that the USS Iwo Jima which is docked in Region Six has been working on multiple medical and engineering locations.
In addition, there is a Military Tropical Medicine team that also partners with the Health Ministry.
This has resulted in assessments being carried out, focused on enhancing operational stability in providing medical care and building partnerships with the regional health directors.
He noted that the team of military medical personnel has been able to work with Guyanese medical professionals from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Mabaruma hospital and other facilities, within the regions.
The Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10) onboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) anchored off the coast of New Amsterdam on Sunday. The CP10 is a humanitarian mission that delivers medical, engineering and veterinary support services.
This humanitarian mission demonstrates the partnership between Guyana and the United States of America in jointly addressing challenges, exchanging expertise, and furthering strategic cooperation.
Guyana has been a beneficiary of humanitarian assistance from the US Government and was provided with medical assistance and social services from the Continuing Promise 2009.