. . . held for the first time in the community
THE Ministry of Health’s Regional Health Services Unit on Friday carried out an eye care outreach at the Enmore Polyclinic as part of the Ministry’s work programme for 2011.
The outreach sought to provide improved access to eye care services and is one of many such activities planned by the Ministry for this year.

At Friday’s programme, 90 residents from Enmore and neighbouring communities had their eyes screened, free of cost. Of the 90 persons screened 15 will require surgeries.
The residents welcomed the initiative and expressed profound gratitude to the Health Ministry for the venture.
Cecilia Persaud of Enmore said, “It is a very good opportunity for a lot of people who can’t afford it.”
Arnold Narine a resident of Foulis told GINA, for the Health Ministry to bring the outreach to the community is commendable and that it saves a lot of time and hassle to travel to Georgetown.
On Thursday, a similar exercise was conducted at Buxton where 40 residents received eye care services.

Similar outreaches will be done at Skeldon, Region 6; Mabaruma, Region 1; Lethem, Region 9; Bartica, Region 7; Wakenaam and Leguan Region 3 and Suddie Region 2.
Government is committed to fostering eye care services to Guyanese and in July 2009, the US$2.5M state of the art ophthalmology center was commissioned at Port Mourant, Berbice to provide treatment for patients with eye ailments such as corrective refractive error and cataract.
The first of its kind hospital in the Caribbean is a symbol of the Guyana/Cuba Partnership that was initiated by President Jagdeo in 2006.  (GINA)