Following extensive flooding health workers sprayed Region 9 villages in order to control insects and pests, especially mosquitoes which can transmit malaria.
According to a GINA report, ten gallons of malathion and two spray cans were sent into the region for vector control purposes with additional spray cans arranged with the receding of the water level.
The Ministry of Health has strengthened its medical team throughout the region and distributing a quantity of flood kits, each of which consists of medical supplies that would be important in instances of flooding and medication for vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea and other illnesses.
Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaram lauded the Guyana Red Cross and the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Guyana Inc for their contribution during Region 9’s recent flood situation.
RAM, a non governmental organization, is located in the Rupununi and has a light aircraft based in Lethem on a full-time basis. This aircraft, which is used by the Ministry of Health on its medical outreach programmes, responds to medical emergencies and was recently used to medivac a Dadanawa, South Rupununi woman and her child, who sustained injuries when the walls of their home collapsed.
RAM also owns a truck which is currently being used to distribute water, treated by the regional health officer, for the residents until potable water is restored in the region. This organisation has also established a volunteer coordination centre at its office in Lethem during the flood for persons who were desirous of offering their services.
A plan was also enacted by the ministry which prepared the West Demerara Regional Hospital and the Georgetown Public Hospital for cases where it might be necessary to evacuate patients from the Lethem Hospital. The ministry, as part of its plan, admitted pregnant women in their late stages of pregnancy (34-37 weeks) as an intervention method should there be a need to access medical attention or deliver as the situation worsens.
In May, the region’s health authorities received a consignment of the regular medication and soon after, Dr Khemraj Khanhai, took in another batch. As a result, there is an adequate supply of drugs especially those used to defend against water-borne diseases.
