Dear Editor,
I recently learnt of the transfer of one of the Essequibo Islands/West Demerara’s best medical practitioners, both at the administrative level and attending to patients, to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). It is indeed sad to know that the Public Health Ministry took such a stance from my viewpoint. However, it can also be viewed as a tactical move to strengthen the compliment at GPHC since Dr Jabar has a track record of putting a smile on patients’ faces even in times of uncertainty.
I recall back in 2015 when my grandmother-in-law required medical attention at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) and was facing a difficult time. I remember making strong representation on her behalf and wanted to speak to the senior doctor. I was given contact details for the Medical Superintendent and when Dr Jabar came to me, she listened to my case and dealt with it with full professionalism.
I remember in 2016 when another family member fell ill and was given maximum attention by Dr Jabar with detailed advice on how to handle the medical complications and there are two other circumstances of a similar nature.
In 2017, I was reassigned duties from the Communities Ministry to the regional administration of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). In performing my duties as Regional Information Officer, I personally had the opportunity to witness Dr Jabar coordinate four, yes four medical outreaches at Parika, East Bank Essequibo; Wakenaam and Leguan, Essequibo River; and at Wales, West Bank Demerara. The outreaches were coordinated when she acted as Regional Health Officer in the space of just a couple of months (two I believe to be exact). Doctors from Georgetown and WDRH had the opportunity to assist more than one thousand persons from these rural communities and I know Ministers Volda Lawrence and Karen Cummings were extremely happy since the outreaches were in keeping with Public Health Ministry’s mission which is to provide quality health care to all.
I believe the most admirable quality of Dr Jabar is her ability to communicate effectively and her charismatic approach to situations. She always holds a smile and never complained even though the difficult circumstances and limited resources can often times send you crazy. She is a mentally strong woman and I hope that replacement is as good as her or even better; if not Region Three will lose big time.
I salute you Dr Jabar and wish you tons of luck. Continue to be humble and as you told me before, peace of mind is the best medication to have best health.
Yours sincerely,
Ganesh Mahipaul
