Enhanced training for health sector workers treating COVID-19 – Min. Anthony

-other training to start next year

The Ministry of Health has rolled out several training programmes for health sector workers to ensure they are up-to-date on clinical guidelines and treatment regimens for COVID-19.

Minister Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony said the Ministry upgrades the programmes frequently to treat the disease, which is constantly changing.

“Guidelines change as we get more knowledge and so forth about the disease, and as new medicines will become available, if we are able to acquire them here in Guyana and make them available, then we will have to change our clinical guidelines every time. So, it is important that we teach our staff about these guidelines so they are more aware and can utilise these protocols.”

Minister Anthony said there would also be training for the treatment and care of patients. Many of the courses are being done virtually in collaboration with the World Health Organization and Pan-American Health Organization. However, internally, training for the technical staff is ongoing.

“We will run some more training on the use of ventilators, I think that’s important. It’s not only for COVID-19 patients but it’s a skill once acquired, can be used in other areas of health. We will also be running a series of clinical training over the next year relating to COVID-19, as well as additional training for our Ministry staff.” 

The Ministry’s Department of Training conducts these sessions which include types and levels of nursing, midwifery, the medex programme, community health worker training and pharmacy.

The Ministry has also started putting together its course on vaccine administration in anticipation of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We will run specific training dealing with vaccines for storage chain: how to utilise the vaccines; how you record on the card that we’ll be issuing; how you keep a record so that we can go back and check because there are two of those vaccines which require a person to return after 21 days.” 

Minister Anthony said he anticipates that training in several areas, including chronic and non-communicable diseases will be done during the first quarter of the new year.