GPHC’s Infection Disease ICU bolstered by ventilators donation

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Infection Disease Intensive Care Unit’s capacity has been bolstered by the donation of several ventilators.

This was announced by Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony during a virtual press briefing on Friday. Minister Anthony highlighted that previously the Unit was challenged by insufficient ventilators.

“We have 12 beds in that unit and we had 4 ventilators. As of 2 days ago, with the donation from the Government of India, we have been able to rectify that situation and our aim is to have a ventilator at each bed, so now if anyone in that facility has respiratory distress, they will be able to have access to the relevant equipment,” he announced.

The Health Minister explained that the protocol for utilising the ventilators has also changed.

“Before we intubate someone, there are certain clinical guidelines that we follow and a number of other perimeters that are looked at. Once the patient would meet a set of criteria, they would be placed on a ventilator, once one is available. That we have now changed because we have more ventilators that are available and, in that sense, those who need a ventilator would be able to get a ventilator,” Minister Anthony told the media.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health continues to work assiduously to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

Minister Anthony stated that an analysis has been done on all the regional hospitals and their isolation areas. He further disclosed that an infectious disease unit will be set up at each facility.

“We have come up with a basic set of equipment that each one of these facilities must have and have started the procurement of these equipment,” the Health Minister said.