Residents of Fort Island, Essequibo River, Region Three yesterday complained about their health centre during a visit by Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton.
GINA said that the visit, which was mainly for the purpose of inspection of the village’s health facility, turned into a public meeting following a request by the residents.
The residents, GINA said, complained bitterly about the health centre, stating that, “it never open…the (Community) Health Worker never at the centre.” They added that residents from neighbouring communities and islands would seek treatment at the Fort Island health centre and would be denied care.
In addition, it was brought to the team’s attention that all of the employees at the health center are related, including an underage young man. Further, allegations were made of the Community Health Worker (CHW) being verbally abusive to some residents. She was also accused of deserting her post for long periods of time.
However, the most troubling health issue for the community is the lack of purified drinking water, which has led to a fairly high number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting. Residents utilise the water from the Essequibo River for all household chores, and for cooking and drinking.
After listening to the concerns, GINA said that Norton committed to ensuring that tanks are set up for the purpose of water storage and purification. With regards to the issues surrounding the CHW, Regional Health Officer (ag) Dr. Shawn Bancroft, pointed out that some of these concerns have never been relayed to him and as a result, he was unable to correct them. However, he added that an investigation by the Regional Health Services will soon commence to address the issue.
Norton urged the residents to speak up stating that it is their right and they should not be scared because no one will victimise them.
“If I am the Minister, and I’m telling you to tell me if I said something on the radio or television, that I would do for this community and I didn’t do, then no one else can victimise you,” he said.
The residents also said that there is need for at least a Community Policing Group, since the Island attracts tourists, but lacks security. The need for more teachers, and better maintenance of the drains and roads was also highlighted.
Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikaran, in responding to the concerns noted that the administration has identified some of these problems and is already working to address them. He added that he will soon be returning to the Island with a team to conduct a meeting with the residents in order to better understand their needs.