In excess of 200 residents from various sections of Linden received treatment and other forms of medical care from members of the Health and Educational Relief for Guyana, Incorporated (HERG Inc), a mission that is once again in Guyana on a medical outreach programme. It is being facilitated by Help Guyana, a non-governmental organization, and other international agencies.
‘A’ team leader Dr Collie Oudkirk, who operated from the One Mile Health Centre yesterday, said that among the 75 patients who received medical attention at that location, there was a high prevalence of malaria infections recorded. Other cases were for skin infections, hypotension, diabetes and others. He also noted that surgeries would be performed when the team returns in August.
Meanwhile, ‘B’ team leader Dr Wayne Sampson, a Lindener by birth, said that the team is very grateful for the support of the Regional and Hospital administrations’ arms in accommodating them to render care to residents. He was also high in praise to residents who greeted the team with warmth. “Generally we are usually well received and this year it is no different. I think they appreciate what we are doing and we enjoy it a lot,” Sampson said.
At the Christianburg health centre, in excess of 120 persons were treated for similar illnesses but it was noted a much smaller number of malaria cases was recorded at that location.
The doctors are specialists in internal and emergency medicines and most of them have practiced in many countries around the world, including the recent disaster hit Haiti.
HERG Inc was established in January, 2000. It is a democratic, non-profit organisation based in North America and comprises a governing Board of Directors and volunteers. Since the inception of HERG Inc the common goal and purpose has been to aid institutions delivering health care in Guyana, South America. This is the tenth year the team has been offering their voluntarily services to Guyana.
The team would be continuing its outreach today at the Amelia’s Ward Health centre, and tentatively the Ituni hospital. On Wednesday and Thursday, it would move to Laluni and Poudero-yen, and Albouystown and Sophia, Georgetown, respectively. The team’s presence in the mining town was responsible for a significant reduction of the usual Monday morning crowd at the Linden Hospital Complex.
