A new state-of-the-art $30 million infectious diseases building to accommodate tuberculosis and HIV patients was on Monday afternoon commissioned at the Suddie Public Hospital, in Region Two.
The commissioning was conducted by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall. Accompanying them were Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit; and Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh.
The building houses five spacious rooms, a waiting area, consultation rooms and washrooms. It was built to provide adequate ventilation for staff treating tuberculosis and HIV patients. Previously, staff members were forced to work in a cramped building, which posed a major health hazard for them and patients alike.
Anthony informed that the region has over six (6) tuberculosis and approximately one hundred (100) HIV patients who will utilise the building. He made it clear that his ministry is aiming to eliminate many infectious diseases in Guyana and called on health care providers to do their work.
“We need you to work with us. We can certainly eliminate infectious disease. Once we treat people we can reduce mortality. We have challenges of chronic non-communicable diseases and now we need to reprioritise our resources.”
He also stated that his ministry is focusing on strengthening primary health care services in Guyana and working to improve the infrastructure within the region so that patients can experience a high standard of health care. Special emphasis will be placed on hospital care and the purchasing of new equipment for Suddie Hospital.
Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh said the building will also get a GeneXpert machine, which will facilitate COVID-19 testing and reading. Dr Singh said he is satisfied with the construction and is confident that patients will be more comfortable.
Tuberculosis supervisor for Region Two, Yagesh Sasenaryan, noted that the new building will provide more space and natural ventilation. He pointed out that although the building is constructed to cater for both TB and HIV patients, they will be treated in separate rooms. The building, he added, will benefit both staff and patients by eliminating exposure to infectious diseases.
It was mentioned by Melagrata Pearce, a counsellor and tester, that staff collaborated with the contractor in designing the building and setting out specifications.
