Guyana scores well in the health sector

Dear Editor,

The country is hot with elections in the offing. Also, with a splurge of cricketing activities, many important pieces of information may simply go unnoticed. This is exactly why I am penning this letter.

I believe that goodness must be advertised. In this regard, I shout for joy that “Guyana (has gained a) PAHO award for outstanding health care.” This is really refreshing, and it helps to debunk those who attempt to gainsay the many good happenings within the local health sector.

According to the report in the media, Guyana was recognised for its outstanding performance in Universal Health Care, receiving the ‘Sergio Arouca Award’ of Excellence.

The ceremony was held recently in Washington, DC, United States, where a health representative of Guyana received the award. However, on Monday, a function was held in Guyana, to formally hand over the tokens of appreciation and commendation.

The honours were appropriately accepted by Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, at his Brickdam, Georgetown office.

Editor, this recognition from PAHO shows that Guyana is really doing well and making great progress in improving the healthcare system. This is even more noteworthy when I think of the fact that there are limited resources and personnel available.

Mind you, too, that from a geographical standpoint, Guyana is really challenged logistically. The recognition then really signifies that what is being done here by the health sector is truly remarkable, as the good work is being acknowledged internationally.

Dr Ramsammy must be a proud man then, but he was careful not to get carried away.

At the ceremony in Brickdam, he reminded those on hand, that even though Guyana was recognised and awarded, it does not mean that the health sector has reached its target.

There is more to be done, but at least it is a case of so far so good. At this point, I feel very content, but I also have a word for those who like to nitpick.

Readers, Guyana is on the move in so many areas. Yes, the country has many challenges in the health sector, but the population as a whole must be thankful that there is free medical care. I now highlight just one case of extreme benefit that needs to be repeated.

Some 1500 pregnant women will benefit from a Gy$5 million nutrition programme, compliments of the Health Ministry. The minister explained that these beneficiaries-scores of Amerindians, from villages such as Akawini, Kabakaburi, Baracara, St Monica and Karawab in both Upper and Lower Pomeroon will be provided (if registered), with three vouchers valued at Gy$ 18,000. This programme will soon be countrywide. So the good news keeps coming.

Yours sincerely,

Andrea Robertson