MoPH launches grand health expo – places emphasis on health awareness

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 18, 2018

The Sophia Exhibition Centre will be occupied from May 30 to June 2, 2018, with free health services, health talks, and healthy lifestyle tips among other displays. This exposition is the brainchild of the Minister of Public Health (MoPH), Volda Lawrence.

The objective of this inaugural health exposition is to strengthen health communication and awareness among citizens while sensitising the public about the services provided by the ministry for improved healthcare.

The expo was officially launched today by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who was at the time performing the duties of Acting President, at the Ramada Princess Hotel on the East Bank of Demerara. At today’s event, there was a mini-health show displaying the various services that are offered by the Ministry of Public Health.

Minister Lawrence, said that this idea has the potential to foster inter-sector movements towards improving the health system.

“We expect that through Health Expo 2018 the opportunities provided by the Ministry of Public Health and its partners will encourage collaboration with other sectors and encourage collaboration that will now seek to improve the health system; to forge new partnerships and to work in sync with the development of the green economy and a good life for all.” Minister Lawrence elaborated.

Further, the expo will serve as a platform for local and foreign manufacturers, distributors and suppliers to interact and share knowledge and best practices.

Permanent Secretary, MoPH, Colette Adams detailed that the exposition will be comprised of several major activities and encouraged citizens to come out and benefit from what will be offered.

There will be the “Branding of wellness clinics, meeting the needs of adolescence strengthening the primary health care system. Health expo will also provide the opportunity for the introduction of an Electronic Health Information System (EHIS) so patients’ information can be readily available. (It) will also facilitate the official launch of food-based dietary guidelines so that citizens of Guyana can be aware of health consumption to achieve healthy lifestyles.” Adams explained.

Apart from these major highlights, there will be seminars and workshops on various health-related topic for patrons to participate in. Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions will also be convened for doctors and other medical professionals.

Children and university students also have the opportunity to be a part of a career day, “to introduce students to a career in the health field as well as give them an opportunity to seek training in various fields of nursing and other allied professionals like laboratory and x-ray technicians,” the PS added.

The Health Expo will run for four days from May 30 to June 2, 2018, at the Sophia Exhibition Centre and will be free to the general public. The Ministry of Public Health will soon embark on a campaign to promote the event and provide further details.

 

By: Delicia Haynes