The Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Dialysis Centre was officially commissioned on Saturday at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital.
The centre is equipped with eight dialysis machines and trained staff. It has been in operation since the beginning of the year and to date, 38 patients have accessed its services free of cost.
Dialysis Centre
The Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, explained that the establishment of the dialysis centre was the result of an agreement the Ministry reached with the Doobay Medical Centre to provide free dialysis services in Berbice.
She noted the financial impact this will have on patients in the region.
“One patient accessing dialysis outside the region would expend about $360,000 a month and that doesn’t include transportation and accommodation etc. If it was to be summed up, it would amount to approximately $4.3 million per year. How many persons can afford that?” the Minister remarked.
She also noted that the facility adds to a series of developments that the region underwent within the last year. “This is the first of its kind for the region and is a service of inestimable value… I am thrilled to say without reserve that the MoPH has achieved an important milestone for residents in this region.”
Among the patients already benefitting from the centre are Sewekarran Nanhu of Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice, and Wayne Watson of Number 28 Village in Region Five. Both agreed that in addition to seeing an improvement in their health, they have been able to save much-needed funds since travel time has been vastly reduced.
Dr Budhendra Doobay in his remarks commended the Health Minister for ensuring this crucial facility was established in the region. “Since meeting Minister Lawrence, her only concern is ensuring that people get access to all the services they need,” Dr Doobay noted.
