Guyana on right track to achieving quality health care — Allicock

Health Expo 2019 was officially launched on Wednesday at the Sophia Exhibition Complex in the city under the theme “Reaching for Better life with good health”.

Presenting the feature address was Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock, who iterated that despite the many challenges Guyana faces as a nation, it is on the right track to providing quality accessible health care to all of its people.
He said that Government encourages physical health, and its initiatives are in keeping with fulfilling its mandate of promoting healthy lives for its people.
“We, as a Government, care for you. We care for your health and, as such, we remain committed to ensuring that proper health care is accessible; and this will always be a priority for this Government,” Allicock noted.
He added that the administration’s commitment is evident in the growth of budget allocations in the health sector over the past years, and noted the MoPH’s initiatives in continuous promotion of health services to the public.

He alluded to his Ministry’s involvement with the MoPH, as this ensures that primary and efficient health care services reach all of the hinterland communities.
He also spoke of the rehabilitation and enhancement of services of the Amerindian Hostel, and alluded to Government’s efforts to link the hinterland to the coast.
Also giving remarks at the opening ceremony, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence reflected on the inaugural Health Expo 2018, and expressed hope that this year’s expo would be much better.
The minister related that the choice of this year’s theme is no coincidence, since it highlights the Ministry’s on-going mandate of delivering quality health care services to the Guyanese populace.
She alluded to Government’s commitment to “Not just any life, but one characterised by wellness, fitness and well-being.” She urged citizens to take full advantage of the services offered, and indulge in maintaining good health.
This year’s expo has seen a large number of pharmaceutical businesses getting on board the event. On such business is the New GPC Inc, which has introduced a new range of products that cater to the needs of diabetic and hypertensive patients.

New GPC Inc’s pharmacist Ravendra Persaud told Guyana Times that these and other products offered by the GPC speak to the health and wellbeing of all Guyanese. He noted that the New GPC has been in business for quite some time, and has tons of experience.
Meanwhile, ANSA McAL’s health and wellness booth displayed a range of over the counter medication. The company’s Brand Coordinator, Sean Abel, told this publication that this is the company’s second year at Health Expo, while adding that 2018 was a huge success and, as such, the company is anticipating the same and more this year.
He said the company is displaying its range of over-the-counter products, particularly the Day Quil and Ny Quil products.
He added that the company aims to highlight its Pharmaceutical Department and what it has to offer; its products and their benefits in promoting health and wellness for the public.
He urged patrons to come out to the expo and take advantage of the services being offered, not only at ANSA McAL’s booth, but at all other booths that are part of the expo.
Other officials in attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, and Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine. The Expo opens daily at 15:00h, and members of the public are being urged to take full advantage of the services which are being offered free of cost.
These include free medical and dental checkups, blood pressure testing, blood transfusion, men’s and women’s health checkup, and nutrition counselling.