Linden medical practitioners graduate from mental health training
DPI, Guyana, Friday, September 7, 2018
Over 30 Region Ten medical practitioners graduated from a four-day training in mental health on Wednesday.
The doctors, nurses and medics were encouraged by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, to use the training they received to meaningfully contribute towards the provision of clinical interventions for effective mental health treatment in Region Ten and the country at large.
“I want to exhort you to combine the knowledge and skills you have gained to better serve the people around you, that need your expertise and talent, to combat stress and trauma associated with mental illness, be committed to reducing the harmful effects of mental illnesses in Guyana.”
The minister encouraged the health professionals to practise patience, concern, tolerance and confidentiality when dealing with mental health patients.
She highlighted the strides made by the ministry in effectively managing mental health issues as she referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) now being able to accommodate walk-in patients.
“The training you receive will place you in an excellent position to do your part in contributing to the overall, national effort, of comprehensively and competently addressing mental health issues in Guyana,” she said.
This is the second batch of Linden medical practitioners to receive training in mental health. The first training exercise was conducted in 2017. Regional Health Officer, Dr. Pansy Armstrong noted that the aim is to have similar programmes held twice a year until all medical practitioners are properly trained.
Over the last four days, the graduates were trained to effectively screen, recognise and manage conditions that contribute to mental health disorders. They were also taught to recognise and manage depression. Training to deal with stigma and discrimination, manage epilepsy, child and adolescent mental health disorders and alcohol and substance abuse disorders were also completed.
The Ministry of Public Health is making strides in reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental health.
Story and Images by Vanessa Braithwaite.