As part of government’s commitment to enhancing the delivery of healthcare in the hinterland regions, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister is working to install internet connectivity in health facilities across these regions to ensure the availability of telemedicine options, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) stated yesterday.
Since telemedicine provides real-time interactive communication between patients and healthcare providers, this initiative means that the integration of audio and video equipment, along with medical devices, will enable healthcare workers to remotely diagnose, evaluate, and treat patients, the release explained.
This announcement was made on Wednesday by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony during his presentation at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Georgetown. This was in response to the appeals made by Amerindian leaders regarding the need for internet connectivity in remote health facilities, the release stated.
According to the DPI, over 25 telemedicine sites have been established across Guyana to ensure that even those in the most remote areas have access to reliable and efficient healthcare services, adding that this transformative service has been welcomed by leaders representing various Amerindian villages.
In addition to addressing the importance of internet connectivity, Anthony also responded to other health-related concerns raised by Amerindian leaders, including the need for transportation and the rehabilitation of various health facilities, the release said.
He emphasised the government’s vision of modernising the healthcare system in the hinterland, with the promise of significantly improved services. He also encouraged Indigenous leaders to ensure young people within the region are enrolled in the government’s numerous training programmes. This, Anthony posited, would ensure that people within the communities are equipped with the skill sets needed to construct and expand health facilities.
Meanwhile, every village will receive a fogging machine as part of the government’s efforts to prevent and eradicate malaria infections, the release added.
