Region Two Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Ranjeev Singh on Wednesday disclosed that 10 boats have been constructed under the region’s health budget to boost health services.
Dr Singh was at the time speaking at a statutory meeting held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom, at Anna Regina.
He said the boats measure 14 feet in length and will be equipped with engines to assist Community Health Officers (CHOs) at the respective health posts in the Amerindian settlements in the region.
Two boats were built with sheds for Wakapau and Akawini, in the Lower Pomeroon River. In explaining why, Singh said the distance to reach those two areas is far and so the boats require sheds along with 75hp engines.
Singh further explained that the engines were provided by the respective Amerindian Village Councils. He added that the remaining eight boats, without sheds, cost $300,000 each.
The other Amerindian communities that will benefit from the boats are Bethany, Karawab, St Monica, Mashabo, Abrams Creek, Kabakaburi, Capoey, and Warapoka.
Dr Singh told the council that the boat was vital, especially to transport persons from the riverain communities to the coastland public hospitals at Charity and Suddie. He also said the boats will be used to transport medication to the various health posts in the riverain communities.
Toshao of Wakapau, Lloyd Perreira, who is a member of the RDC representing the government, thanked the Regional Health Officer for the initiative. He said his community was in need of a boat, particularly to transport sick people out of the Wakapau community. He said the Village Council will overlook the maintenance and servicing of the boat. Previously sick persons had to rent private boats, which were very expensive for them. It would cost them as much at $15,000 to get out of the community to seek medical attention.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva said that with the boats, residents within the various communities can expect a boost in health services within their communities.
