‘Do better’ – Min. Lawrence charges Reg. 1 health facilities’ staff
─ minister wraps up four-day visit to sub-regions
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, September 1, 2019
Following a multi-faceted visit to Region 1, Public Health Minister, Hon. Volda Larence has charged the staff of hospitals, health centres and health posts in Barima-Waini to improve the efficiency of service delivery.
The minister noted that while these health facilities are operating well there is still the potential to raise the level of health care delivery in the region. Minister Lawrence and her team sought to take a hands-on approach in ensuring issues are addressed at the regional level to ensure that people in the region have access to quality health care. The four-day visit to Region 1 ran from August 27-31.
Also accompanying the high-level medical team was PAHO/WHO representative Dr. William Adu-Krow, senior staff of the MoPH, Clinical Coordinator Caroline Hicks, Deputy Permanent Secretary Administration Shellon Bess, Procurement Officer Mr. Seewchan and Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako.
The facilities visited were Kumaka District Hospital, Kwebanna Health Post, Mabaruma Regional Hospital, White Water Health Centre, Port Kaituma Hospital, Sebai health post, Pakera District Hospital and Baramita Health Centre.
Regional Health Officer (ag), Dr. Latchmie Lall guided the visiting team and highlighting challenges existing at the RDC level which was cited as one of the main reasons for the delay in the implementation in some regional health projects and programmes.
The visit to each health facilities encouraged discussions where recommendations were made for improvements specific to each facility, catering to the needs of the populations they serve.
Minister Lawrence emphasised that staff in the public health sector plays an important role in ensuring persons access this service.
“The people that come through these doors, they come because they have nowhere else to go. You are their only hope, we are their only hope… the least we can do is do better.”
In terms of infrastructural development for the sector, she noted that there is much to be done. PAHO/WHO has pledged to continue to support the ministry in its efforts to ensure that health facilities in outlying areas receive the necessary attention needed for quality health care to be delivered.
“Whenever I come to these regions, I usually stay central and deal with the RHOs but this is the first time I’m coming out and actually seeing things. Your Minister has brought PAHO along and if there is any way your facility can benefit from PAHO’s assistance please feel free to let me know,” Dr. Adu-Krow said.
This visit has identified some urgent interventions which will be added to the region’s health budget proposal for 2020. While there were other matters reviewed and rectified immediately. The health team was particularly pleased to note that there was no shortage of medical drugs and staff were encouraged to monitor the consumption of these medicines and to request new stocks promptly.
Similar visits are scheduled for other hinterland villages in Regions 2, 7, 8 and 9. Riverine communities in other regions are also being targeted.