340 procedures performed at specialist medical outreach in Bartica

They Guyana Cancer Society on Sunday partnered with GTT, the Health Ministry, the US Embassy and several cancer support organisations to execute a specialist medical outreach at the Bartica Regional Hospital in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
A contingent of 15 specialist doctors including two gynaecologists, one paediatrician, one urologist, five dentists, four ophthalmology specialists, and two Internal Medicine Specialists were aided by more than 30 medical practitioners for the exercise.
A statement on Monday said that together, the team performed over 340 procedures out of a long list of medical services offered. The services included breast examinations, pap smears, VIA screening, oncology, obstetrics and gynaecology.
President of the Guyana Cancer Society, Sharir Chan spearheaded the exercise. Chan, who is also the Chief Operations Officer of Guyana Medical Relief (GMR) – a California-based NGO, said that the activity was highly effective.
“Cancer does not occur in a vacuum and that is why we wanted to offer a comprehensive medical examination package. We believe our approach was very successful because the exercise brought many persons to us seeking treatment and/or diagnostics regarding different aspects of their health. Our largest line was with those seeking breast examinations.”
Chan added that the fact that the team primarily consisted of medical partitioners from outside of Bartica, aided in reducing patient concerns about confidentiality.
“In small towns like Bartica, patients are often hesitant to visit the doctor for some health issues out of confidentiality concerns since the doctor may be a community member they are familiar with. So, this activity was very necessary and from the turnout, we consider it to also be highly effective.”
According to Public Relations Manager of GTT, Jasmin Harris, a similar activity is scheduled for Berbice on October 15 at the Skeldon Hospital. She said the company is currently encouraging members of the public to contribute to GTT’s goal of raising 30 million dollars in donations. To donate you can text “donate” to 592-620-4848 to contribute $500 with each message.