Generators to boost services at Mabaruma, Kumaka hospitals

The Mabaruma Regional and Kumaka District hospitals in Barima-Waini (Region One) will soon receive a 250KVA and 150KVA generators valued $15 million and $8 million respectively, to boost the delivery of healthcare.

Speaking with DPI, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr. Tikaram Bisesar said over the years the regional administration has been making strides to provide both facilities with the necessary equipment. 

“We want to ensure that our health facilities are outfitted with the necessary amenities which will not only provide delivery of service, but the staff are comfortable especially during this time of COVID-19,” he said.

The administration has also improved the public health infrastructure, ensured regulatory compliance, increased its human resources and emergency medical services, in keeping with the Ministry’s vision to provide universal health coverage in the Region.

The Mabaruma hospital provides maternal child health services, in-patient and out-patient services, chronic disease screening and clinics, laboratory services (blood, hormone testing) and tuberculosis screening and treatment. It also offers x- ray services, dental care, malaria screening and treatment and other services.  It serves as the main hospital to some 29,000 Region One residents.

In 2019, the Mabaruma hospital was among several identified to be upgraded to a Smart facility under an $835M (US$4.175 million) project, funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID).

The Smart Hospital concept refers to a health facility which is both safe and green. It entails employing sustainable technologies to maximise resources and services, and to make the hospitals more efficient. Other facilities to be upgraded to Smart Hospital status are the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital/Diamond Diagnostic Centre (near completion), the Leonora Cottage Hospital, the Lethem Regional Hospital and the Paramakatoi Health Centre.