Baramita cottage hospital benefits from US$30,000 donation from FFTP

The maternal department of the Baramita Cottage Hospital in Region One (Barima-Waini) has received a significant boost to its operations, following a US$30,000 donation from the Food for the Poor (FFTP) Organisation.

The US$30,000 donation includes baby cots, a refrigerator, bedside tables, semi-electric beds, and a baby warmer, among other items needed by new mothers.
Arriving just one day before International Women’s Day, these items are set to improve the well-being of women embarking on the journey of motherhood.

Speaking at the handover ceremony this morning, the Director of FFTP, Andrea Benjamin, shared that this donation will contribute to the development of women in this hinterland area.
“At FFTP, we believe in investment, and the investment that we are making in these equipment and items that we are sending to Baramita will contribute to the growth and development of the community. FFTP’s vision for healthcare aligns well with the Government of Guyana,” said Benjamin.

She added that this is part of their goal to ensure that rural communities, particularly indigenous communities, are equipped and modernised.
“The baby cots will ensure that the newborns are adequately supported at the health centre, while the other equipment will also be helpful for the Region 1 health facility.”
Meanwhile, present at the handing-over ceremony was Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who hinted at infrastructural improvements in the healthcare sector in Baramita.
“As we increase the services that we are offering, we definitely have to improve the infrastructure, and put in the kinds of things that would make these services a reality. We are happy that this donation is finally here, and we are sure that once it is taken into the region, there will be an improvement in the services that we are offering. We strongly believe that there must be equity in healthcare, and that is why there is so much emphasis on improving our health services in Guyana.”
Sharing similar remarks was the Regional Health Officer for Region One, Dr Steven Cheefoon, who relayed that this donation serves as a key to forming a new chapter of growth for the health entity.
“Baramita… has been very grateful for this donation, and [over the years] we have always had a good relationship with FFTP. I am happy that they are continuing to support these rural areas. It has improved with such vast donations, and with this new contribution, Baramita will continue to develop. I am happy because most of the village councils are made up of women, and this will empower them to make better choices.”
The Ministry of Health is constructing two new health centres that will cover 22 satellite sites in Baramita.
Cheefoon highlighted that with the FFTP donation and the new health posts, health services will be upgraded to a higher level within the community.