Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran on Tuesday even-ing led a team from his ministry in a meeting with staff of the Enmore Polyclinic, members of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and residents to discuss the community’s health and social needs, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a press release.
Some of the concerns raised by residents, according to GINA, included seating accommodation under the polyclinic’s shed, inappropriate disposal of garbage, availability of training programmes for youths in the community, a need for a bicycle rack at the clinic, repair of the x-ray machine and provision of laboratory services.
The meeting was held at the Enmore Community Centre Ground and similar meetings will also be held in other communities.
Minister Ramsaran noted that the meeting stemmed from concerns raised by residents at a recent health and wellness day hosted in the community.
Enmore has a polyclinic which is an extension from the Georgetown Public Hospital and eases the patient load off that hospital, the release noted.
The health minister’s team included Permanent Secretary Leslie Cadogan, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Executive Officer, Georgetown Public Hospital Michael Khan, Director, Regional Health Service, Dr. Irve Chan and other ministry officials.
In terms of seating accommodation and the provision of a bicycle rack, the CEO at the Georgetown Public Hospital assured that it will be provided and a meeting will be held with the clinic’s staff to discuss the seating arrangements.
The shed was installed last Sunday to accommodate those persons who arrive long before the clinic commences operations at 08:00 hrs.
With regards to the garbage disposal issue it was noted that the NDC usually collects the garbage once weekly but due to mechanical problems affecting the tractor, collection suffered a setback.
Meanwhile, NDC members pointed out that there is a fine attached to dumping of garbage along the roadside and this matter will be discussed further with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud at a meeting this week.
It is hoped that the NDC will be able to implement the fine to deter residents from inappropriately disposing of their garbage.
Ramsaran expressed his concern that inappropriate solid waste disposal is a problem throughout the country, and he urged the community to start using garbage bags to contain their waste until the NDC collects it. He also advised that efforts must be made to keep garbage away from animals to prevent it being spread along the roadside.
In addition, the community was urged to take a keen interest in the matter and it was suggested that environmental health clubs be established in the schools.
With regards to the x-ray machine, Khan indicated that a new tube has been sourced for the machine which, following replacement, will see the delivery of x-ray services resuming. He also added that provision for the installation of a laboratory at the clinic is being included in the 2013 budget.
It was suggested that the clinic should engage in more public education but this is already in place and is ongoing every Friday at the institution.
In addition, the staff has plans to carry out medical outreaches in schools in the community and in surrounding communities.
The Enmore Polyclinic was opened in March 2002 and provides services including internal medicine, basic pediatrics, orthopaedics, obstetrics, gynaecology and out-patient services.
Persons along the East Coast corridor can access these services at the institution instead of approaching the Georgetown Public Hospital, the release concluded.
