The Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) says it recorded a number of improvements in the sector last year as it benefited from several training sessions for doctors and medical personnel in crucial areas.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release BRHA made these announcements at its Eight Annual Award ceremony on Friday, aimed at recognising the contributions of staff who performed exceptionally in 2010.
In his address Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said the BRHA was able to help realise government’s vision is to enhance health services, in an organised manner, to better meet the needs of citizens countrywide. He commended the workers of the region and urged them to continue executing their job diligently. Hinds also said that he is proud of the developments taking place in the country, which had been envisaged by the nation’s ancestors who did not get the chance to fulfil them; noting the completion of the Berbice River Bridge among the achievements. The Prime Minister also said he hoped that by mid-year all arrangements for the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric project would be concluded.
He also said plans are in train to import dialysis machines for both private and public health facilities, with certified personnel operating them. Hinds noted that government has been investing in boosting the quality of education and roads. Recently more than 20 roads in New Amsterdam were approved for rehabilitation.
Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy echoed Hinds’s praise of the health workers saying they must be given due recognition for their commitment and hard work. Chairman of the Board of Directors of BRHA Permaul Armogan noted that eight years ago the Authority designed a scheme to pay public tribute to outstanding workers in the public health system in Berbice. He noted that while there have been great improvements there is room for more including the upgrading of infrastructure and regular hosting of blood drives.
Armogan also pointed out that during the week of testing for HIV/AIDS, over 12,000 people were tested in Berbice. There have also been more aggressive public health awareness campaigns such as health fairs and health tours of villages. The chairman said the Board continues to put systems in place to correct deficiencies in the region and that the facilities’ teams conduct inspections frequently to ensure that they are functioning at maximum capacity. Armogan said the administration reports directly to the ministry based on a services agreement the two entities signed to boost health care in Berbice.
According to Andrew Debidin, the CEO of Meditron, the partnership with the ministry started over 23 years ago and has grown rapidly. He noted that the health sector has grown extensively in all aspects from regions one to ten and commended stakeholders and the awardees for their hard work and commitment to developing the health sector.
CEO of the Guyana Telegraph & Telephone (GT&T) company Yog Mahadeo also commended the awardees. He noted that the private/public partnership has worked well and that his company will remain a proud partner of the BRHA. Mahadeo said the Authority “has made Guyana sit up and take notice of improving health service” and GT&T looks forward to continue to work hand in hand with stakeholders in developing the country as one. GT&T sponsored the prizes of a trip each for two couples to Kaieteur Falls. The best worker Narine Singh of the Skeldon Hospital received an overnight trip for two to Mainstay Resort, which was sponsored by Meditron.In addition, CEO of BRHA Vishwa Mahadeo said last year the institution failed in its quest to have zero maternal deaths. After three consecutive years of no maternal deaths at Berbice intuitions, it “was a huge step backwards” as it recorded three such deaths. The CEO said each case was reviewed and steps put in place to prevent any avoidable deaths at the institution.
