27,000 people to be screened for chronic diseases this year

Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, last year, the government was able to screen over 25,000 people across Guyana for major non-communicable chronic diseases. This year, screening will continue with a target of 27,000 people.

This was announced by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, M.P., when he presented budget 2022 Wednesday last.

“We plan to continue and support strong, early screening, in 2022, we target screening a further 27,000 persons,” the minister said.

He further stated that the one-stop-shop clinic for diabetic patients, a project started in 2021, will be completed this year.

The clinic will see citizens benefitting from various services.

“In the specific area of diabetes, we have made significant progress towards the construction of a specialised diabetic clinic at Lusignan, which will be completed this year and is intended to be a one-stop shop for diabetic patients,” Dr. Singh related.

Once the clinic is operational, it will provide specialist services in areas of eye screening, diabetic wound care and cardiovascular screening.

Meanwhile, the minister said government will also be pursuing a number of initiatives that target adolescent health.  

“Another initiative that will help to reduce unplanned pregnancy is the expansion of the contraceptive programme which will benefit from an allocation of $154 million in 2022,” he said.

Minister Singh also said the government will pursue the “safe-space” initiative in schools that will facilitate peer interaction and counselling, as well as partner with local medical teams and community organisations to address comprehensive education about the issue.

Further, in support of adolescent health, $50 million has also been budgeted for the advancement of the “menstrual hygiene initiative” a project spearheaded by the First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, which seeks to end period poverty in Guyana.

The money allocated will allow for over 30,000 adolescent girls to benefit from sanitary items, in 2022.