Residents of Moruca will no longer have to travel long distances to access surgical treatment, as a new surgical theatre was commissioned at the Kumaka District Hospital, Region One (Barima-Waini).
The theatre, which was built and equipped at a cost of over $40 million, will accommodate residents of the Moruca district to access surgeries within the region, cutting their transportation cost to travel for medical assistance significantly.
Kumaka District Hospital
It is fully furnished with an anaesthetic machine, oxygen, an Intensive care unit, a sterilisation unit and also a recovery suite. There are currently two theatres in the region and another is expected to be completed soon.
Regional Health Officer of Region One, Dr Steven Cheefoon told members of the media that it is extremely beneficial that residents can access the best health services right there in the region.
“I have no other words… to express the joy I feel that we are able to do surgeries in Moruca… Access to health service is a very important feature that we need. In prior years… the patients of Region One had to be referred to Georgetown Public Hospital or Public Hospital Suddie in order to get surgery,” Cheefoon Expressed.
“The region has developed so fast as it relates to healthcare and we are on that continuum to offer optimum care, and this surgical outreach is just a picture of what is yet to come, it’s just a picture of what we can achieve when we believe in what is called a dream,” he also added.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Health Ministry, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo said the new theatre is in keeping with the Government’s manifesto promise of expanding and upgrading health facilities and diagnostic services to improve access to healthcare countrywide.
Dr Mahadeo said efforts will continue to further expand the range of healthcare services in the region, especially in the training of medical personnel.
Some residents related that they are very grateful to the Government for the provision of this service as it will be of great benefit to their families and reduce the financial burden of having to travel to the Georgetown or Suddie Public Hospitals to undergo surgeries.
“I’m so happy… my grandson… could get a good surgery and he is already clear from that,” one resident added.
Another chimed in and said, “Sometimes our roads are very bad… and we have our doctors right here now, it’s more convenient for us. Thank you, Mr Ali… for looking into some of our problems at this time, I wish you can do more for us”.
Additionally, the Government also conducted its Snap-on Spectacle project which saw a total of over 100 spectacles being distributed to residents on Region One, within two days. This project will extend throughout the region to ensure that persons’ visually impairment can be corrected through the use of spectacles.
Meanwhile, there is also the nursing assistant training which is currently being conducted in the region for the first time. There will also be the pharmacy assistant, medical technician and other trainings which will begin next year.
