Over the weekend, the Amerindian village of Aishalton, in the deep South of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), received much needed assistance when Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton handed over two All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s), a motorcycle and a quantity of medical supplies.
Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton (sitting on ATV) presents the vehicle to community members during a simple handing over
One ATV was presented to Wallace Rodrigues, the Malaria Control Programme Officer, and the other was given to Jude Paul, the Community Health Worker, while Ermalinda Joseph, the Environmental Health Assistant, received a motorcycle. The vehicles are intended to assist the representatives in effectively carrying out their duties.
Dr Norton made good on his promise to the three healthcare professionals, of addressing the challenges they face while traversing the terrain of the South Rupununi Savannahs.
During a village meeting on Friday, residents were pleased when they were informed of the developments.
Dr Norton told villagers that Government is committed to improving the lives of all Guyanese, regardless of their geographical location.
Among the concerns raised was the long standing issue where patients who are transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and subsequently discharged, are left in the care of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, which is then tasked with ensuring their safe return home.
The main concern for residents is the length of time patients have to remain at the Indigenous Residence in Georgetown before they can rejoin their families in the Rupununi.
Vice President and Indigenous Peoples Affairs’ Minister, Sydney Allicock, who was also present, assured residents that both Ministries will work together to ensure patients return home in a reasonable time, after being discharged from the nation’s primary healthcare facility.
Last Saturday, a pregnant woman, who was flown to Georgetown, was returned to her region safely after the Ministers were informed that the patient was discharged days earlier and was awaiting her return flight home.
Arrangements were immediately made to have the mother (name provided) and her baby return home, and according to reports, they are both doing fine.
Residents also raised the concern of the deplorable condition of their main thoroughfare, which causes some amount of discomfort to patients who have to traverse the area.
Minister Allicock told residents that the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the Communities Ministry are working together to address the situation.
The Communities Ministry is currently constructing a bridge over the Churikad Woa Creek located approximately 10 minutes from the village, which when completed, will bring immediate relief to residents.
The road passes through the river and when it rains, the water level rises above normal and villagers and others traversing the area are forced to wait on either side of the shore until the water recedes before continuing their journey. The new bridge will relieve the villagers of this problem.
The Churikad Creek Bridge is expected to be completed by next week, while two other bridges have already been completed in the area.
