The Ministry of Health presented the Amerindian Affairs Ministry with 42 prescription glasses for distribution to toshaos who had been diagnosed with vision problems during a screening exercise held for participants in the National Toshaos Council in July.
According to a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release, 11 toshaos from Region One, two from Region Two, three from Region Four, five from Region Five, 12 from Region Nine and seven from Region 10 will receive spectacles. The glasses were handed over to Principal Regional Development Officer at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry Anil Roberts.
According to Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran, the exercise is a symbol of the type of work being conducted in indigenous communities as part of the government’s programme for them. He said the spectacles were produced by the Low Vision Centre. The Amerindian Affairs Ministry will deliver them to the toshaos.
In response, Roberts commended the ministry for providing the spectacles. Some of the beneficiaries are Maurice Henry of Kawatta, Region One; Ernest Dundas of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four; Vincent George of Batavia, Region Seven; Emeric Francis of Kumu Village, Region Nine and Wilbert Halls of Malali, Region 10.
GINA said last year a large number of toshaos and senior councillors also benefited from spectacles after they were diagnosed with vision problems during a similar screening exercise organised during the 2010 toshaos council. This initiative was a collaboration between the two ministries to ensure that residents in various hinterland communities benefit from adequate health care.
Several hinterland residents would also have benefited from surgeries and other procedures during a number of medical outreaches. The ministry is also set to host an outreach in Bartica, Region Seven and in Region One.
