Region Nine to train 65 as nurses, midwives

Director General of the Health Ministry, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo announced 65 villagers across
Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) will commence training as nurses and midwives
shortly.
“The President said he made promises when he was campaigning (and) those promises are
captured in the manifesto… guiding the government to provide services. And we are already
delivering, so I am asking you, pleading with you…to help us to ensure that we are putting all
these things in place. Employing all these people, training all these people, I want you to help us
to ensure you get the services that people are trained to deliver,” Dr Mahadeo said during a
recent Regional Toshaos’ Meeting.

While the 65 are being schooled, healthcare specialists including dentists, optometrists,
ultrasound technicians, dermatologists, gynaecologists, paediatric surgeons and general surgeons
will make regular visits to the communities in the region.
Mahadeo said several healthcare workers provide services to elderly citizens from 60 years old in
the comfort of their homes. Persons suffering with a range of visual problems will get
government help from Georgetown Public Hospital, Port Mourant National Ophthalmology
Hospital or the Lethem Health facility.
Females will get Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) testing to help detect those who may
have cervical cancer, which is reportedly commonly among Amerindian women.
The Government is on course to deliver 100 percent of the drugs earmarked for the region for
this year, since 97 percent has already been delivered. Mahadeo said Region Nine health
facilities will receive the remaining three per cent “by the end of September”.

He said infrastructural works will commence soon in hospitals in Aishalton, Sand creek, Annai
and Karasabai to facilitate surgeons visiting the region. Meanwhile, Shulinab received its first
doctor recently, who will treat patients in nearby health centres.
The Irfaan Ali administration is committed to providing a permanent medical training
facility in Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo for villagers interested in a career in health,
Mahadeo disclosed.