An expanded range of free medical tests are now available at the Mahaicony Diagnostic Centre and Fort Wellington Hospital, eliminating the need for residents of Region Five to travel to Georgetown.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release, this benefit is now possible since the number of medical technologists employed in the region has increased to 14 with another five currently in training. As a result, more than 77,000 medical laboratory tests are now done each year compared to only 12,000 tests in 2011, when just two technologists were employed.
Medical Laboratories Manager Muniram Balgobin, who has worked in the region for eight years, said the progress in this particular area is not without its challenges. However, the commitment of the staff has resulted in progress.