The Medex Programme which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary has trained 270 persons since its inception and the Ministry of Health is arranging for a Structured Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme for this category of health workers.
A press release from the Ministry of Health stated that 13 batches have been trained, comprising between 20-25 students and the ministry is arranging for the introduction of the CME similar to what exists for doctors. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Georgetown Public Hospital are assisting in the crafting of the programme.
The release stated further that a medex or medical extensor is a category of health workers who fill the gap between a certified doctor and a nurse to provide primary health care, particularly to residents of rural, Amerindian and other hinterland communities.
The training centre is located at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
The first batch of 22 medexes began training at the University of Guyana (UG) on October 18, 1977.
Persons were drawn from the public health sector, private medical institutions, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Prison Service, the former Guyana National Service and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO).
