‘Be committed to quality healthcare’

‒ Minister Harmon charges 5 new graduate doctors

After four years of specialised study of the human anatomy and medicine, a closely knit class of medical students this year took a significant leap towards realizing their careers when they successfully graduated from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Science and Technology’s School of Medicine.
The small group will now be joining an army of life saviours attached to various hospitals and medical institutions throughout the country.

The first batch of graduates of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Science and Technology School of Medicine

While members of the faculty, parents and loved ones all proudly assembled at the ceremony on Monday, a number of Government officials and Ministers also joined in the celebration. During their remarks, each of the Ministers echoed a similar call – there is need for continued commitment to the delivery of quality healthcare in Guyana.
Addressing the gathering prior to the presentation of certificates, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, extended felicitations to the graduates as they embark on their journey into the world of work.
The Minister of State has said that, as Government continues to create opportunities for equal access to health, education and social services across the country, medical practitioners must be willing to serve to the best of their respective abilities.
“I must appeal to you for a commitment to health-care delivery in the context of our national policy. A key element of Government’s policy on healthcare is equal delivery of all services across Guyana — to all villages and communities in the most remote parts of Guyana, on the coastland and in the hinterland. We need doctors who do not flinch or baulk when assigned to these remote areas in our rural countryside or hinterland. This is the spirit and approach that we must adopt to enable us to provide a good life for all of our people,” Harmon conveyed.
He encouraged the graduates to commit themselves to selfless and dedicated service, as enshrined in the Hippocratic Oath which every doctor is expected to take; and he noted that they must strive to make positive contributions in their every undertaking.
And Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, in her remarks, mirrored her colleague in noting that the medical profession is a noble one and, as such, the best possible standards must be adhered to in the process of administering healthcare services.
“In your service to humanity, and as you graduate and enter the world of work, it is important that you put into practice all that you have learnt over the years. Now you stand on the threshold of greatness — that will give you a title that will place a great sense of responsibility on your shoulders.
“From here on, you will be the ones charting your own course in life; and how you are perceived in life will be as a result of your actions and, in some cases, your inactions. I urge you, as a medical doctor, to give of your best and ensure at all times that you uphold this noble profession and maintain high standards for yourself and colleagues,” Cummings expressed.
Dr Cummings told the graduates that their entry into the medical field could not come at a more opportune time: as Government continues to embark on numerous programmes aimed at further strengthening the public health system, so as to deliver the best quality healthcare possible to the citizens. As such, she urged them to keep expanding their horizons through education and training, so that they can become specialised in their fields of work.
Also speaking at the graduation ceremony was Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who underlined that the role of a doctor — just like that of an educator — cannot be overestimated. She also spoke about the significance of the University’s work.
“This is a significant step in enhancing two critical sectors: health and education. Government cannot do it alone, and indeed Government should not; a balance has to be made between Government services and Private Sector services, particularly (in the areas of) health and education. I would like to sound my congratulations and gratitude for your commitment to this noble profession. I urge you to help as much as you can, and do no harm,” the Education Minister stated.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr Sherlock Peter Rawana, in his remarks, encouraged the students to return to their communities and villages and serve, as he noted that true success can be found in one’s ability to inspire and motivate others.
Chancellor Rawana expressed, “You have studied hard, and tonight you can see that you have achieved that dream. Being a doctor doesn’t meant that you will stop studying; you must become specialists. And when you have studied and achieved what you wanted to achieve, I want you to go back to your communities and be a role model for the youths of your communities. Wherever you go, or whatever you become, I hope that one day you can come back to your country and serve.”
Class Valedictorian Abid Ally, who hails from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), in his Valedictorian address, pointed out that he would endeavour to use his profession to not only touch lives, but also leave a legacy of care and humanity.
Explaining that his decision to become a doctor dates back to his high school years, Ally said, “Today we are gaining a new profession, a profession as doctors, which made us become complete with precision, accuracy, efficiency; with goodness of intellect and, above all, virtue. From now on, it will be a central part of who we are; and, over time, the most important part of our lives.”
That said, the Ally extended appreciation to his family, both at home and at the University, thanking his well-wishers for the part they played in his achieving this milestone achievement.
The Rajiv Gandhi University is an intentionally accredited tertiary educational institution in Guyana. It offers programmes in the fields of Medicine, Humanities, Science and Technology. The event, hosted at the Pegasus Hotel, represented the first Convocation ceremony for the University’s School of Medicine, from which five students graduated.