Wakapao residents calling for a resident doctor

– in light of increase of fever, typhoid and other illnesses

Residents living in the Amerindian community of Wakapao in the Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are calling for a resident doctor to be stationed in their community.
This request came after there has been an increase of fever, typhoid, rashes and other illnesses contracted by residents within the community.
One resident said that many persons were currently suffering from typhoid and it was expensive for them to access medical services on the coastland. A young lady explained that the Health Centre did not have sufficient drugs and equipment to provide the services needed by the people. She said that many persons have to travel long distances out from the community to conduct medical tests privately which can cost them as much as $6000.
Toshao of the community, Lloyd Perriera when contacted said indeed there has been an increase of fever, typhoid as well as rashes within the community. Perriera said it was expensive to access medical services at Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital and Suddie Public Hospital, and urged those in authority to send a doctor to be stationed in the community to look at the medical needs of the residents.
He noted that while the area has Community Health Workers (CHW), it still needs a medical practitioner to examine patients. Perriera also said it was about time Amerindians received the services that coastlanders were easily accessing. (Indra Natram)