140+ benefit from Plegt Anker medical outreach
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, February 20, 2019
The health centre in the small rural community of Plegt Anker, located several miles up the East Bank of Berbice, yesterday, saw over 140 patients benefitting from their first medical outreach. The first-ever blood drive was also held in the community and villagers of Plegt Anker and neighbouring communities took the opportunity to donate.
A team of doctors, nurses and medex met with persons suffering from various chronic diseases including high blood pressure and diabetes, HIV and AIDS testing and counselling were available, ophthalmology and dental services. Related services were provided to the residents of the predominantly farming community, on the East Bank of Berbice.
Sattie Nauth, a 53-year old farmer of Plegt Anker, was pleased with the services received. She said it was not her first time visiting the health centre and receiving efficient health care services. She also made use of the ophthalmology services provided.
Another resident, Tulsie Ram commended the Regional Health Services for providing them with effective and efficient health care delivery. Twenty-one-year-old Reshma Raghunandan is one of the mothers in the rural community who is relieved that a health centre was established in the community within walking distance, providing them with access to quality health care.
Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Director of Regional Health Services for Region Six, Jevaughn Andrew Stephen disclosed that this is just one of the many medical outreaches slated for the rural community. He noted that it was the Regional Health Services’ decision to provide a medical outreach for the residents of Plegt Anker and neighbouring communities so that they can benefit from all the services offered at a Regional Hospital.
According to Stephen, over 45 patients made use of the dental services provided at the outreach, which saw more than 20 extractions done. More than 50 patients benefitted from the ophthalmology services with scores of persons receiving reading glasses.
The Director of Regional Health Services noted that the most common issue found among the residents of East Bank Berbice is Hypertension, diabetes, and dental issues.
Stephen said, daily, the residents of East Bank Berbice benefit from all the regular services provided at all other health centres across the country. The Plegt Anker Health Centre is equipped with a doctor, a nursing assistant, a registered nurse, a midwife, a community health worker and a clinic attendant.
Story and Images By: Tanuja Raikha.