RHOs get ATVs, motorcycles to boost health care delivery

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony MP on Monday handed over seven ATVs and 33 motorcycles to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall MP to be distributed to Regional Health Officers (RHOs) in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

Minister Anthony said the ATVs and motorcycles will complement the other vehicles already being used for transportation, and will boost the delivery of health services in the regions.

“In terms of improving the quality of the service that we deliver, many times our health post and health centres are a little bit distant from some of the communities and for health workers to move from point A to point B it’s often a challenge” Minister Anthony said.

Meanwhile, Minister Dharamlall said the ATVs will be used to travel across mountainous areas to address emergency issues. He noted that Guyana will be in a better place with the provision of improved health services.

“I think this is a significant investment that the Ministry of Health has made, there has always been a challenge of logistics across the country, the delivery of health services is going to be enhanced with these pieces of equipment or vehicles that have been provided today”.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall MP

Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Ryan Toolsiram expressed gratitude to Minister Anthony for supporting the health sector in the hinterland communities.

“I welcome this collaboration with the Ministry of Health and look forward to working with you minister on future initiatives and to this extent to bring the much-needed support to the Amerindian people” Mr. Toolsiram said.

Minister Anthony handing over the ATVs and motorcycles to Minister Dharamlall

Coordinator, Indigenous People’s Communities (IPC) Michael Gouveia said the vehicles will meet the demand for mobility for staff since the beginning of the pandemic.

“We partner very tightly to have health services delivered to the people of our country so that we can have a healthier population and a more productive society” he said.  The partnership project among the Ministries of Health, Local Government and Regional Development and Amerindian Affairs will be essential to improving transportation for health workers in these indigenous communities.