Government has taken aggressive actions to improve health care delivery in the hinterland community of Baramita, Region One.
This was told to GINA by Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, who recently visited the community and spoke to the residents. They voiced their dissatisfaction with the health services they are receiving.
With a population of over 3000, Baramita only has one health centre which is run by a medic and a Community Health Worker (CHW). Norton told GINA that the health centre is broken, as there is no running water and no proper facility for treating patients.
He said, however, that the residents of Baramita can expect better services over the next two years, as Government will be addressing the issues that the community is facing.
Norton said that the intention is to condemn that centre and build a new cottage hospital. “We wanted to hear from the residents themselves, so we consulted with them…They need all the services. The hospital might not be able to provide any major surgery, but at least delivery can be done and other minor operations and other services offered. Adequate beds will also be put in place, so that patients will be able to rest, until they are treated and sent home,” he said.
Norton also stated that the Public Health Ministry will be facilitating the training of more CHWs, medics and midwives to man the hospital.
In the meanwhile, GINA said that the Minister handed over two All-Terrain Vehicles to the community. These will be used to conduct medical outreaches in the community and surrounding areas.
