Scores attend GPHC’s Health Fair
─ held in observance of GPHC’s 20th Anniversary
─ service was efficient, friendly and satisfactory
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Hundreds visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Health Fair hosted in the East Street Parking lot in the proximity of the hospital. The event forms part of the corporation’s twentieth-anniversary celebrations.
Several persons took advantage of the services offered and commended the Public Health Ministry for hosting the fair.
Jamel Jhaundoo became knowledgable of fair while visiting the hospital. “I saw the clinic, so I just stopped by and had my eyes tested. They told me my eyes are ok… I think is a good thing that persons can stop by and get service. I can now go and have my teeth checked.”
Also stopping by was Olannet Hinds who explained, “It is very helpful. I think there are many areas that you the medical staff are touching out here, so yes, it is very educational I must say.”
“I came here and got my vaccine done,” were the words of a satisfied Shonette Madison who also shared that it was an opportunity to be seized.
Nandawattie Sukh said, “The main reason I donate blood is to save lives, and this is my fourth or fifth time donating. I work at BPI and I took the opportunity to come over and donate blood at the fair but I regularly do so in Essequibo where I live.”
At the health fair, a total of 35 booths were present offering services from eye tests, to physiotherapy, blood donation, hypertension and diabetes screening, dental services, HIV testing and counselling, diet and exercise for healthy lifestyles, cardiology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, alcohol and substance abuse screening and counselling.
Melissa McDonald, Senior Registrar in the Internal Medicine Department, said: “We’ll be doing lots of educational sessions, from the paediatrics department, talking to mothers about how to be safe with babies and vaccinations.”
The doctors from the maternity unit and Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) were present and spoke to women on various women’s health issues as well as cancers in women.
From the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Dr. Richard Jones explained the importance of effective Family Planning noting they encourage patients to do proper family planning to avoid any complications during pregnancies.
“Family Planning in Guyana is very important, and over the years we have been able to establish and family planning Clinic at the GPHC through which we offer several services including offering different forms of contraception and counselling. Planning your pregnancy and having the correct time is essential especially in young patients.”
Family Planning Clinic is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Kipenie Jordan.
Images: Jules Gibson.