Government Training Specialists as it continues building Health Sector–PM Nagamottoo
Georgetown, GINA, May 13, 2016
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has committed his administration to the continued development and advancement of the health sector in Guyana as he pledged allocation of the resources necessary to alleviate all of the health problems affecting Guyanese.
The Prime Minister was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening of the National health symposium–an activity hosted by the Pan American Health organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) reflecting on 50 years of Health in Guyana, at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.
The activity attracted a number of health care professionals and stakeholders where the Prime Minister explained that the country continues to experience challenges with the availability of skilled human resources with regards specialists to address specific health conditions.
“The brain drain has taken away many of our trained and capable nurses and mid-wives. Many others, including doctors, fell victims to attrition due to poor wages and incentives. We need time to repair this broken system of neglect of and ingratitude towards the people who have delivered us and who have kept us reasonably safe.”
To alleviate the staff challenges, Guyana is currently training local doctors in the fields of obstetrics, pediatrics, surgery and medicine. In addition the Government is also investing in the health sector through the conduct of various capacity-building programmes for doctors and nurses at the primary health care level, and for personnel who work away from the coastland.
“We stand proud today and salute our front line health workers in the interior and remote areas who have played crucial roles in the development of the health sector. I salute you”, the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, in his address to the gathering, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton stated that the Government of Guyana is fully committed to building a resilient health care system in which Guyanese are provided with health services which are as accessible, acceptable, affordable, timely and appropriate as possible.
“We are also fully committed to working towards reaching the sustainable Development Goals as we lay the foundation for a new development agenda. Our health sector over the years has been filled with many challenges, but also with many successes. It is our duty to work together to ensure that current and future generations are afforded the opportunity to experience a health sector in which the successes by far outweigh the challenges.”
Minister Norton singled out PAHO/WHO for the invaluable technical and other support offered over the years which have been instrumental in developing the health system. “The Government of Guyana is eternally grateful and looks forward to working with you over the next 50 years and beyond. Everyone has a role to play in the development of the Public Health System in Guyana.”
The Minister noted that government alone cannot develop the Health sector, “and I therefore take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of PAHO/WHO and other development partners over the years.”
The event, “Reflections on health at 50 in Guyana–focusing on achievements, challenges and future goals” is an activity hosted by PAHO/WHO in observance of Guyana’s 50th independence.