Land, water transport to aid in bridging healthcare gaps – Min. Cummings
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, December 4, 2018
The Ministry of Public Health will continue to invest in the provision of land and water transportation throughout the sector. According to Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings, transportation is a key component in the total mechanism through which quality health care is delivered to Guyanese, especially those in remote areas.
The government, in 2019, will continue to ensure that the more suitable modes of transportation are provided and used for its essential purpose. With its continued focus on bridging the gaps that currently exist in health care, Regions One Seven, Eight and Nine will be furnished with new All-Terrain Vehicles.
$12Million has been set aside in the 2019 budget for this provision. Also, the PAHO/WHO Guyana country office has pledged its continued support towards the provision of critical transportation for health care.
Additionally, Region One is expected to be furnished with a state-of-the-art River Ambulance in the new year. To this end, the Health Ministry has ensured that least three operators completed the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course programme. This training was provided by the Dutch Health BV from the Netherlands.
“This programme has been specifically done to ensure the availability of competent operators to work with the powerboat. As a consequence, the river transportation in Region #1, will be significantly enhanced, especially for the high-risk maternal mothers and infants.” Minister Cummings explained
The ministry will also purchase a bus for the disability and rehabilitation programme at an estimated cost of $9Million. This vehicle will aid in transporting persons living with disabilities and other important uses as necessary within this programme.
In 2018, Regions One, Eight and Nine received All-Terrain Vehicles. A river ambulance, costing $22.4Million fully equipped with all the necessary tools and patient care material was handed over to the Orealla-Siparuta Village Council.
Delicia Haynes.
Images: Delicia Haynes and Anil Seelall.