Patients needing diagnostic treatment aided by Computerized Tomography (CT) scans in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) can now access this at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital (NAPH).
A release yesterday from the Ministry of Health said that the CT scans, being offered free of cost, will bring great relief to residents in nearby areas who were previously forced to travel elsewhere to seek this type of service. The release said that the installation of the equipment follows a recent visit to the Hospital by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who committed to taking immediate steps to improve health services in the region as a whole and at the NAPH.
Dr. Vishalya Sharma, Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Six, underlined the importance of having such a vital piece of equipment functioning at the Hospital.
“CT scan machines are used in the diagnosis of illnesses like muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumours and fractures. It pinpoints the location of a tumour, infection, or blood clot to guide doctors for the next procedures,” she said.
According to the newly appointed RHO, RAD-AID International, in 2016, handed over the new CT scanner, valued at approximately US$200,000, to the then Ministry of Public Health, but the equipment was never installed and operationalised.
“The Ministry of Health thanks RAD-AID International; Dr. Zulfikar Bux, Head of Accident and Emergency and Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey, Director of Medical Services [both of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC)]; and the Public Works Department of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six. A big thank you also to the team from Radiology Services in Georgetown and New Amsterdam,” said Dr. Sharma.
