Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy said yesterday that government’s efforts to increase the number of differently-able employed persons have intensified over the years and there are far more persons with disabilities working in both the public and private sector today.

A press release from the Ministry of Health on Tuesday said the minister was responding to questions from differently-able persons at a panel discussion organized by the National Commission on Disability to observe International Day of the Disabled.

The ministry’s release said Ramsammy also noted that efforts to remove stigma and discrimination levelled at persons who live with disabilities were growing.

Among the questions the differently-able persons asked were about government’s plans to promote early detection of physical impairments; for increased opportunities in the workplace; and certification of educational institutions that facilitate persons with disabilities.

A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said the discussion was held under the theme ‘Everyone, regardless of disability, has the right to decent work’.

According to GINA the ministry is partnering with several agencies such as the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security and the Open Doors Centre to better equip differently-able persons to interact and function in a working environment. Recently, 34 such persons graduated with specialized skills from the Centre at Sophia and are working with several entity such as the include the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Guyana Defence Force, the Labour Ministry and Guyana Power and Light. Students graduated in courses such as Information Technology, Electronics and Electrical Installation, Garment Construction and Carpentry and Joinery.

GINA said the centre is being supported by the Health Ministry’s Rehabilitation Services section with assistance from the labour ministry. It is funded by the European Union. Another batch of students is undergoing training.