Patients suffering from kidney problems in Pomeroon-Supenaam now have access to free dialysis services at the Suddie Public Hospital as the Ministry of Health commissioned the first ever dialysis centre in the Region yesterday.
Rajendra Singh of Cullen, who was the first patient to receive treatment on the dialysis machine, said it will save him travelling time and money. Singh said that he is required to undergo dialysis three times per week but due to its cost he can only afford one treatment per week. Singh commended the Government for bringing the initiative to the region.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said that the commissioning of the centre represents a significant boost to the region. He said that the Government has made tremendous strides in making the treatments available in the region.
Dr. Anthony also made the commitment that more persons will be trained in the region to work at the centre. Currently one doctor and two nurses have been trained to use the equipment. The Health Minister said that his Ministry is happy to partner with the 5G Dialysis Centre in delivering the service to Region Two.
Meanwhile, nephrologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Dr. Haimchand Barran reminded the audience that a grant is given to patients suffering from kidney issues. He said that more awareness about kidney disease will be done in the region to help eliminate the need for dialysis treatment.
“We have seen a lot more admissions with kidney disease, so there is a lot more to learn about dialysis; there has been some awareness and we are trying to share this information, but the numbers has been increasing,” Dr Barran said.
Regional Health Officer Dr. Ranjeev Singh said that the dialysis service was needed in Region Two. Dr. Singh said that the centre was established at a time when many patients are in need and the centre will save many persons time and money from travelling to Georgetown. Director of the 5 G Dialysis centre Asafo George said that the centre is pleased to partner with the Ministry of Health to boost the service at the Suddie Public Hospital. Similar services are currently offered in Linden.
