$14M Plegt Anker health centre commissioned
― EBB residents afforded better access to primary health care services
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 03, 2019
The $14M Plegt Anker Health Centre, which was officially commissioned today, will serve the residents of East Bank of Berbice. The health centre will serve a catchment area of approximately 800 persons especially of Plegt Anker, Highbury, Mara, Schepmoed and Lighttown.
The commissioning of the health centre is one which was highly anticipated by residents, some of whom took the opportunity to express their appreciation for the establishment of the facility.
Ministers of Public Health Hon. Volda Lawrence and Dr. Karen Cummings cut the ribbon to officially open the Plegt Anker health centre.
“I visit the doctors and no complaints. I am very thankful for the treatment from the doctor also the nurse. Nearly a month, every day I come for a dressing,” said ‘Perso’ (only name given), a senior resident noting that the establishment of the health centre was a timely one. He told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he resides in a remote community on the East Bank of Berbice and has already been accessing the series there. “I never expect a thing like this could happen because to travel from where I live to catch the centre in New Amsterdam is not easy…Now, I wake up early in the morning, make my tea, look after my cattle and come to the health centre.”
Peter Tambarin, a resident of Plegt Anker also shared his view: “This health centre here will reduce the number of persons travelling the road from as far as Schepmoed or Mara to Brothers or New Amsterdam to receive medical attention. I am sure the government has looked into this situation and saw that we needed a health centre and today this is the result, we have a health centre.”
This commissioning of the facility fulfils part of the Ministry of Public Health’s 2020 health vision which mandates that healthcare in Guyana is universal and is accessible to all persons.
At this health centre, service delivery will be focused mainly on maternal and child health and preventative health care services. Also, clinics for chronic disease patients will be facilitated while a doctor will be on duty to tend to any other health cases that may be presented at the health centre. Home visits will also be done for patients unable to attend clinics.
Both Ministers of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Dr. Karen Cummings were present at commissioning.
“Our president… indicated last May, at the Ministry of Public Health’s first-ever exhibition, that Guyanese should not have to travel more than five kilometres to access a health facility, and so him giving us that mandate expects the Ministry of Public Health’s leadership will ensure that for all of our communities, we hold true, not only to the calling of His Excellency, but to the vision of the Minister of Public Health,” Minister Lawrence said.
The Director of Health services in the region, Jevaughn Stephen noted that the centre is located just about 18 miles from the town of New Amsterdam. This was taken into consideration as the health department of the RDC deliberated construction of the health centre. “We have to ensure residents have access to quality health care without experiencing financial hardships, therefore, the idea was birthed to build a health centre at Plegt Anker.”
Food for the Poor Guyana Incorporated (FFTP) played a significant role, ensuring the facility is fully equipped.
The centre is staffed with a doctor, community health worker and nursing assistant and an attendant.
Also, present at the commissioning ceremony were senior officials of public health including Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako, Chief Nursing Officer, Linda Johnson and regional representatives.
Delicia Haynes.
Images: Keno George.