In an effort to combat the rising number of amputations in Guyana, with the most recent figures showing 108 amputations recorded in 2023, the Ministry of Health has initiated a diabetic foot care training programme. The training is being conducted at the Windjammer Hotel in Georgetown and is attended by nurses from across the country.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, addressing the attendees, noted the urgency of the issue: “As of 2023, we had 108 people whose feet were cut off. Could we have prevented that? Could we have saved some limbs? Maybe we could have, but perhaps we weren’t diligent enough. Some of the fault lies with people not coming to clinics, and if last year’s number was 108, previous years were likely similar.”
He also announced plans to establish a diabetic clinic at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre in order to reduce the distance amputees need to travel for care and rehabilitation. “Patients come to the Ptolemy Reid Centre to get prosthetics and related services, and the effort it takes to get there is challenging. One of the things I suggested was setting up a diabetic clinic at the centre because patients struggle to access services and often have to make repeated visits,” Anthony said.
However, he stressed that the efforts to reduce amputations must also include a greater commitment from healthcare professionals. He urged nurses and doctors to follow established guidelines, especially when prescribing medication, as drug shortages in hospitals remain a significant problem. “We have a list of medications available in the public health system. Yet, complaints often arise that patients go to a health centre, get a prescription, and have to buy the medication. The issue is not always a lack of supply but doctors preferring specific drugs over those listed in the guidelines,” he explained. These outdated prescription practices, he said, added to patients’ financial burdens.
To address the variability in healthcare quality across regions, the ministry is also forming a specialised team that will conduct inspections at health centres throughout the country.
“We’re setting up a team to visit health centres in different regions. They will review patient charts randomly to assess compliance with treatment guidelines. If issues are found, recommendations will be made. But if consistent problems are ignored, there will be consequences,” he warned.
Additionally, Anthony revealed that after more than two years of applying, Guyana has secured a grant from the Pandemic Fund to enhance pandemic preparedness. “We have successfully obtained a US$15 million grant, which will be used to strengthen our laboratories, improve surveillance systems, and develop our human resources,” he announced. The grant is yet to be made official, but the allocation will be a significant step toward bolstering the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
Equipment to aid in caring for diabetic patients was also handed over to health representatives.
