Public Health Minister Dr George Norton last week turned the sod for the construction of a new health post at Kurutuku, in Region Seven.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Public Health, the new health post will benefit some 100 persons residing in Kurutuku and neighbouring villages. Construction is expected to commence within the next few days, since the materials have already been procured and the contractor is already on site.
Norton pointed out that the village is a far distance from Bartica, where the nearest hospital and nearest airstrip at Eteringbang are located. According to him, it is expected that basic deliveries will be done at the new health post, which would also provide pre- and post-natal care and other inpatient services, particularly for malaria patients, the release stated.
According to the release, there is, currently, one Community Health Worker (CHW) in the village, and Norton expressed hope that in the very near future, the Ministry will be able to have a Medex or even a trained midwife at the new health post.
Norton said that the plan is to ensure that regular visits are made to the village, so as to ensure that the contractual obligations are met.
The new building will measure 25 by 50 feet and will accommodate the health post as well as living quarters, the release stated.
According to the release, one of the residents of the village, Rosita Lewis, pointed out that the CHW is currently working in a section of the teachers’ quarters which is not ideal and poses a challenge especially when caring for pregnant women.
As a result, she stressed that the building will afford him a space to carry out his functions comfortably, and for this, the villagers are very grateful, the release said.
Norton was accompanied on his visit by Region 7 Engineer Adrian Ragobeer, as well as other officers from the ministry, including Director of Regional Health Services Kay Shako and Director of Vector Control Services Horace Cox, the release said.
Treated mosquito nets and medication were handed over to the residents by Norton along with a quantity of clothing which was donated by Food for the Poor.
