MoPH advancing health care despite challenges – Min. Lawrence

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence today in the National Assembly defended the health care provisions made in the $267.1B, 2018 Budget proposed by the Coalition government.

During the debates, members of the opposition had hurled numerous remarks regarding the management and administration of the public health sector. However, Minister Lawrence submitted government’s continued commitment toward achieving a good life for all Guyanese, as she assured that the $33.3B allocated to the sector, will ensure there is equal access to healthcare throughout Guyana.

“The Coalition government is intent on continuing the development of a comprehensive plan of action for the health sector that will encompass a participatory approach and in so doing transform the lives of all our citizens,” Minister Lawrence said.

The Minister outlined that over the past 30 months, the Ministry of Public Health has been “prioritising enhancement of the delivery of health services” throughout the country.

The minister gave overall details of the sector’s performance in 2017 and hinted at some of what can be expected in the new year. Singly, the minister pointed out that a series of capita, infrastructural works will be conducted and completed in 2018.

These include: The completion of Port Kaituma Hospital Complex that will enhance health care delivery in the Port Kaituma sub region and its environs; a storage Bond at Kingston and Diamond that will adequately store of all medical and non-medical items and additional clinics to Linden Hospital Complex; and the rehabilitation of the Festival City Health Care System to resuscitate health care delivery to the people living in community and its environs.

Meanwhile, $243M has been set aside for the construction of a new Public Health Head Office complex to accommodate all departments in an effort to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

Just before the senior minister spoke, former Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran criticized the government for losing its momentum in delivering what is necessary to the Guyanese people. He further added that the public health budget lacks the necessary policies needed to advance the sector.

However, Minister Lawrence in her rebuttal said what is necessary for the sector is for the needs of the people to be met.

“The Ministry has had its challenges but has kept the momentum and focus on Goal #3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) which seeks to ensure the health and well-being for all ages,” Minister Lawrence explained.

 

By: Delicia Haynes

 

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