The Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) says that last year 308,209 persons were treated at the New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, Skeldon and Mibicuri hospitals, including patients who benefited from special clinics, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Some of the services offered in the region include x-ray, laboratory, pharmacy, specialist clinics, medical out-patient, accident and emergency services, intensive care services and physiotherapy.

The New Amsterdam Hospital performed a large number of eye surgeries, especially for the removal of cataracts, GINA said.

The BRHA which comprises the region’s main health facility, the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, is complemented by the Port Mourant, Skeldon and Mibicuri hospitals and several health centres.

Meanwhile, the $140M Ophthalmology Centre, located in the compound of the Port Mourant Hospital, is expected to become operable early this year.

According to GINA, efforts are continuously being taken to improve the quality of service offered by the health facilities. A complaints department was established so that officials can become familiar with some of the difficulties persons face when visiting these institutions. This will allow officials to better manage and co-ordinate events and health-related activities in the region.

The New Amsterdam Hospital, in efforts to improve its efficiency, introduced a numbering system and a canteen will be constructed shortly to cater for patients, doctors, nurses and visitors, GINA said.