Dear Editor,
On Monday, June 24, I accompanied my wife to the Port Mourant Ophthalomo-logy Hospital, where she was scheduled to undergo cataract surgery. At first, I had my reservations about taking her to this hospital, since it is a public institution. However, all of this changed in the twinkle of an eye.
The hospital is furnished with very modern equipment and a professional staff of Cuban doctors, who are extremely friendly, courteous and modest. The confidence and exuberance displayed by these highly trained specialists put you at ease immediately.
They set the pace, and even the Guyanese staff follow suit. There is no hassle at this hospital, and you are treated respectfully, unlike at some other public institutions around the country.
After the surgery, the patients have the option of going home and returning the next morning to remove the dressing, or spending the night in the Recovery Ward. Those who live far away from the hospital usually accept the latter offer.
Food and accommodation are provided for those patients who stay overnight, and even for those who accompany them! Everything at this institution is free of cost. This is unheard of in many parts of the world.
We lived in The Bahamas for a number of years, and I can assure you there is no such professional and free service at the public hospitals there, as that offered at Port Mourant.
We visited private hospitals in New York, where you pay ‘an arm and a leg’ and yet do not experience the friendly, professional service as that offered right here in Guyana.
The Government of Guyana must be commended for its vision to establish such a hospital, that puts a smile on the faces of poor, working class Guyanese, as they leave satisfied.
However, the most modern hospital and equipment would be useless without a friendly, committed and professional staff.
As such, we should all be grateful to the Cuban government for supplying same. Finally, I would like to say thank you very much to Dr Eroberto (Director) and his staff for their professional and dedicated service.
Yours faithfully,
Janaknauth Panchu
