Mahdia District Hospital to become regional institution

GINA, GUYANA, Monday, November 28, 2016

Healthcare services provided to Region Eight are expected to be upgraded and improved as the Ministry of Public Health works to bridge the gaps between health services provided in the hinterland and the coastland regions.

After a number of field assessments carried out by the ministry, it has been noted that more attention will be placed towards improving the health sector in Region Eight. Director of Regional Health Services, Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Kay Shako told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that in addition to what has been done for 2016, there will be developments in the region next year.

“Region Eight is an area whereby we would have been doing a number of supervisory visits, and we would have been identifying the deficits within the area and we would have been speaking to persons concerning how we’re going to bridge the gaps between both areas, hinterland and coastland,” Dr Shako explained. She added that almost every health centre in Region Eight has a doctor, “but we will have to look at specialists for Region Eight.”

The Mahdia District Hospital is also expected to undergo rehabilitation to facilitate modern amenities, towards being recognised as a regional hospital. This will provide residents with easier access to healthcare providers, and specialised doctors and surgeries. This will reduce the number of referrals to the main tertiary health institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

This conversion of the hospital will also preclude the need for medical outreaches and medical evacuations (medvacs), saving time and financial costs.

The Director said, “We would also want to provide the same services in Region Eight like we would have been doing for Regions One, Seven and Nine. One of the things about Region Eight is that the hospital that is being earmarked to be a regional hospital, needs a theatre and that theatre, I think for next year, the Ministry of (Public) Health will be focusing on the construction of a theatre there.”

The effectiveness of all projects executed in the region, especially within the hinterland, depends on  field assessments. “The way forward for 2017, that will be one of the focus areas for us,” Dr. Shako added

 

By: Delicia Haynes