145 traffic officers benefit from UG’s Health and Wellness outreach

Some 145 traffic officers have benefited from a comprehensive Health and Wellness Outreach Fair hosted by the University of Guyana (UG) on Saturday at the Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary Compound, Georgetown.
The event was organised by Dr Maria Sheena Villareal, along with Dr Genalin Ang, Dr Maritza Perez, and Akhil Raghunandan, and saw the participation of more than twenty volunteers from both departments and the Optometry Students’ Association.
The initiative, spearheaded by the university’s College of Medical Sciences through the School of Medicine’s Departments of Medical Rehabilitation and Optometry, marked the first in a series of wellness activities designed specifically for members of the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department.
It was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Courts Optical, with coordination support from the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, and senior officers, including Inspectors Richard Trotz and David Inniss.
Throughout the day, officers received a range of free medical services, including comprehensive eye testing, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, musculoskeletal and postural assessments, cancer screenings, and general wellness evaluations. In addition to these services, each officer was presented with a voucher valued up to GY$25,000 for prescription eyewear, along with other special offers courtesy of Courts Optical and Unicomer Guyana.
Dr Villareal underscored the importance of prioritising the health of traffic officers who serve daily on the frontlines of road safety.
“The health and well-being of our traffic officers must remain a national priority. Through partnerships like this, we can identify risk factors early, promote healthier lifestyles, and ensure that those who protect the public are also protected in their health,” she said.
The outreach series will continue over the next three weeks at the same venue, extending wellness services to more officers within the Traffic Department.
UG reaffirmed its commitment to improving occupational health, advancing community well-being, and supporting evidence-based service delivery in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s strategic goals for a healthier Guyana.