Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran recently met with the Region Six Regional Health Com-mittee to discuss steps to be taken for vector control and to address other issues that affect the public.
According to a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release David
Armogan, the new Chairman of the Region Six Regional Health Committee told the meeting that apart from receptacles, the high tides are a big contributor to the mosquito infestation as water from the tides provides the breeding ground for the vectors.
In response Dr Ramsaran referred to the ongoing fogging exercise in the region to address the mosquito infestation and urged the Committee to find a way to remove the stagnant water from the land. He said the ministry has employed a professor who specialises in the destruction of 22 kinds of mosquito larvae with the use of bacteria that can be grown in coconuts.
This new innovation would help to reduce the mosquito infestation in areas where it is most prevalent.
The minister also said it was necessary for the Committee to work with the Regional Democratic Council and the municipality in this endeavour.
He also recommended that a representative from the municipality attend Committee’s meetings in order to better address the problem. Dr Ramsaran pointed out that residents needed to practice proper disposal of refuse.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha said the New Amsterdam Hospital’s vector control unit should be resuscitated to help address this problem.
Additionally, Armogan said he was concerned about Cuban trained Guyanese doctors who conduct private practice during working hours. Dr Ramsaran said this behaviour is unacceptable as these doctors are obliged to serve the Guyanese public and should not leave the hospital during working hours for private practice.
He also said the hospital’s administration has to put measures in place to hold the doctors accountable for their whereabouts.
Dr Ramsaran also said the public should not pay for services rendered at the hospital. He also pointed out that residents should be aware of the health committee, its functions and that they can approach it for assistance.
