66 new CHW, MLT to boost healthcare in Region 9

A total of 66 persons from various sub-districts in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are now certified Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) following the completion of their training programme.

The graduates received their certification at a ceremony held at the Amerindian Hostel, in Lethem which was attended by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and other officials.
Of the batch of 66, 27 are the region’s first batch of Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) while the remaining 39 are from the region’s second batch of Community Health Workers (CHWs).
These new healthcare workers are expected to return to their respective communities and apply the knowledge and skills they acquired during their training. Both programmes were headed by the Health Sciences Division with the CHW lasting six months while the MLT lasted 12.

Dr Anthony during his remarks told the graduates that within the last three years, the ministry was able to train some 377 different categories of healthcare workers through the decentralized training programme.
All of whom, he said strengthened capacity since their integration into the various health facilities within Region Nine. Dr Anthony further related that the Government remains committed to enhancing healthcare in the region through training, telemedicine, improved facilities, and community education.
He reminded the new healthcare workers of the crucial role in this transformation, acting as the face of health services in their communities.
In addition, Regional Health Officer Dr Cerdel Mc Watt encouraged community involvement and positive representation of health services and said the graduates will soon be deployed within the 62 health facilities to provide service for a population of approximately 33,000.
Further, Deputy Director of Health Sciences Education, Chandroutie Persaud congratulated the new batch and encouraged them to connect with their communities and provide quality healthcare, embodying empathy and compassion.
While emphasising the role of Health Sciences Education in providing training opportunities in health careers, Persaud stated that the department currently offers over 16 clinical and technical programmes, including the hybrid Nurses Training Programme.