Region One RHO calls for organisational structure to enhance health services

DPI, GUYANA, Monday, February 19, 2018

An organisational structure or chain of command is crucial to decision making and has a direct impact on performance. According to Region One’s (Barima Waini) Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Cerdel Mc Watt, the district is operating without a gazetted chain of command and this has hindered the sector’s performance.

Mc Watt stated that one of the main challenges in the region’s health sector is staff shortage. He noted that most of the employees are performing dual functions. “But if we really want to get it right and see improvement in the sector, we must incorporate an organisational structure.”

The RHO explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that an organisational structure which caters for adequate staffing should be implemented to allow for proper management of the region’s health sector’s resources.

Health is one of the largest sectors in Guyana and has, therefore, received increased budgetary allocations over the past four years. However, Mc Watt said additional funds will not necessarily curtail the many problems plaguing the sector, but rather a proper organisational structure will.

“Money is never too much; we’ll have to look at how it’s been used. Yes, we need more for capital projects. But there are areas where monies are allocated but it’s how the money is being distributed…Management of resources is a problem so there should be a regional organisational chart in place to effectively manage health resources.”

Mc Watt referred to other sectors, particularly education, which he noted has an organisational structure governing its management. “We refer to the education sector because there is a Regional Educational Officer (REDO), then a District Education Officer, and then everybody else falls under Headmistress etc. But the Health sector is yet to have an official document for us to work with.”

Other challenges facing the region include limited services which result in an increase in referrals to other hospitals, poor health infrastructure, and drug shortages.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur

 

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