Twenty-seven persons from various communities in Region Two have commenced the Ministry of Health/Regional Health Service Pharmacy Assistant Programme [PAP] in Region Two.
Launching the programme on Monday was Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony who said that he is pleased that it is now being offered in Region Two and trainees will no longer have to leave the region. The PAP training is being conducted at the Suddie Public Hospital and facilitators from within the region were hired to deliver the curriculum.
At the launch, Dr. Anthony said that there is a need for more pharmacy assistants at health centres throughout Guyana. He explained that the course was compressed to 9 months and urged trainees to remain focused as they will become knowledgeable.
The Health Minister said that his Ministry is offering a wide array of programmes outside of the PAP. As such, he urged the trainees that upon completion of the PAP, to move on and continue to upgrade their skills. Meanwhile, Deputy Director for Health Sciences at the Ministry, Chandroutie Persaud, told the trainees that through the Ministry of Health’s Regional Health Services the programme was made possible and said that over 50 persons had applied but only 27 were selected.
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, welcomed the training in the region and said that the region will soon have a specialty hospital, so successful trainees will be placed there as well as at various other locations. He said it was another promise made by the current government to have more persons trained in the health sector. Dr Narine Singh, Chief Medical Officer, said that the training will last for 9 months and urged the trainees to give their best. Dr. Singh said that there will be continuous monitoring of all trainees’ performances and urged them to pursue self-studies and research.
