54 from region 10 employed as Patient Care Assistants
-First batch from region to complete training
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Fifty-four young persons are now qualified as Patient Care Assistants (PCA) following a six-month training programme provided by the Ministry of Public Health.
The graduates who are from Linden and Kwakwani in Region 10 completed the course with a 100 per cent pass rate.
Valedictorian, Almanta Thompson said her decision to take advantage of the training exercise was a wise move and recommends other young people follow her example. According to Thompson, she worked diligently during the six months and it paid off in the end since she has always wanted to get into the medical field.
“I can now work my way up into being what I have always wanted to be, a medical doctor, this is just the stepping stone, I am not going to stop here. The door has opened for me and I am going to enter it and continue to pursue my dream,” Thompson confidently said.
Another graduate, Shari De Cambra said before the training, she was employed in a restaurant but working in the medical field was her heart’s desire. De Cambra explained that she had applied for several other courses before this one but was never accepted despite having the necessary qualifications. Graduating as part of the first batch for region 10 as a Patient Care Assistant is the break she always wanted.
“I feel awesome because it gives me a chance to prove myself, to show others what I have learnt, help patients, move up and do better,” De Cambra stated.
Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence in her address to the graduates said as qualified PCAs they will serve as a major boost to their respective communities and the region. She reminded the newly licensed PCAS that they are now a part of the Public Health system and as such are always required to act professionally. Their service The Minister said ensures that patients are comfortable and that all their basic needs are met.
The Ministry of Public Health, Minister Lawrence stated is committed to expanding and enhancing the delivery of health care services throughout Guyana.
“Human resource for health is a critical area. We can buy all the fancy equipment and build all the fancy buildings if we do not have the human resource that is trained and equipped to provide the service, it is like throwing water on ducks back,” she underscored.
Minister Lawrence also highlighted that the Patient Care Assistant training will also be conducted in the hinterland regions.