22 Cuban trained Guyanese doctors return home

Twenty-two doctors will be the newest addition to Guyana’s public health sector. The newly trained doctors completed their scholarship in the medical field in Cuba.
At a graduation ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Saturday, the doctors – eleven of whom were Guyanese, ten from the Caribbean and one Malaysian – received their certification and undertook the Hippocratic Oath under the guidance of the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud. They will now be able to practice in Guyana as part of their internship.

Speaking at the event, Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, advised the graduates that this is the beginning to other such accomplishments which will be achieved in the future. They were urged to maintain a noteworthy professional outlook when serving patients.
Ambassador Majeed later stated that with the input of the Cuban Government, it will foster development in the health sector across the Caribbean region.
“We are on the threshold of a national renaissance and so the national interest must be out preponderating concerns. We are emerging from the dungeons of economic insecurity. We are building capacity in several areas of national development,” the Guyanese Ambassador said.
Meanwhile, advisor with the Department of Public Service, Vincent Alexander delivered the feature address, in which he also underscored the benefits of the relationship which has been forged with Cuba. He said in this way, Guyana has acquired the opportunity to produce professionals in the field but they must be able to perform to the best of their abilities.
“You have to take responsibility for what you do, and take responsibility to continue to ensure that you learn. You are really now on the learning curve. You are at the stage where there is so much more to be learnt,” he said to the doctors.
The new doctors were also charged by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle who reiterated the importance of responsibility and the need for focused individuals when dealing with all types of patients.
“I urge you to be engaged. I’m taking about being physical, emotionally and mentally engaged. When you come to work, please show up. Be fully focused.”
With the return of Ambassador Majeed to Cuba, it was revealed that 13 more students will be accompanying him. Presently, there are 62 Guyanese students pursuing careers in the medical field in the Spanish-speaking country.