Health Ministry donates vehicles to improve healthcare delivery
The Health Ministry on Monday distributed a number of vehicles, valued at some $118.6 million, to improve healthcare provision and support the transportation needs of several hinterland regions.
These regions are Regions One (Barima-Waini); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Purchased under the Regional Health Services (RHS) Programmes, the new modes of transportation included seven all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) valued at $21 million, two minibus ambulances at $22.5 million, three land cruiser ambulances costing an estimated $44.9 million, and five ATV ambulances at $30.2 million.
During the handover ceremony at the Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony stated that patient care will be boosted with these added modes of transportation within the various regions.
In Region One, the Pakera District Hospital and Baramita Health Centre are each expected to receive a land cruiser ambulance.
Meanwhile, three ATVs will be allocated to the Yarakita health post, Kwebanna Health Centre, and Arakaka Health Centre, and one ATV ambulance will be placed at the Manawarin health post.
The Mahdia District Hospital in Region Eight is set to receive a land cruiser ambulance, while the Bamboo Creek health post and Kamana health post will receive one ATV. The Kopinang health post will benefit from an ATV ambulance.
Lethem Regional Hospital, located in Region Nine, will receive a minibus ambulance, while Surama and Aranaputa health posts will be allocated an ATV.
Meanwhile, Massara and Katoonarib health posts will benefit from an ATV ambulance.
In Region Seven, the Kaikan Health Centre will receive an ATV ambulance, and the Linden Hospital Complex in Region 10 will see a new minibus ambulance.
In attendance at Monday’s handover were Coordinator of the Indigenous Peoples Communities, Michael Gouveia, Health Ministry Director General, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, Regional Health Officer (RHO) attached to Region One, Dr Steven Chefoon, Regional Health Officer (ag) attached to Region Eight, Dr Talitha Cort, and the Regional Health Officer attached to Region Nine, Dr Cerdel McWatt.