The Ministry of Public Health last Wednesday commissioned the Plegt Anker Health Centre, located in East Berbice, Corentyne, and it is expected to reduce the need for residents to travel miles to the New Amsterdam Hospital to access basic healthcare.
Constructed at a cost of $14 million with assistance from Food For the Poor, which fully equipped the centre, the institution will serve approximately 800 people across 12 villages, especially those residing in Plegt Anker, Highbury, Mara, Schepmoed and Light Town.
A report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), said that the centre, which is staffed with a doctor, community health worker, a nursing assistant and an attendant, will focus mainly on the delivery of preventative health care services, as well as maternal and child health services.
The release said that clinics for chronic disease patients will also be facilitated, while a doctor will remain on duty to tend to any other health cases that may be presented at the centre. Home visits are also an option for patients unable to attend clinic. The DPI report noted that the centre’s construction fulfils part of the MoPH’s mandate that healthcare in Guyana be accessible to all.
“Our president… indicated last May, at the Ministry of Public Health’s first-ever exhibition, that Guyanese should not have to travel more than five kilometres to access a health facility, and so him giving us that mandate expects the Ministry of Public Health’s leadership will ensure that for all of our communities, we hold true, not only to the calling of His Excellency, but to the vision of the Minister of Public Health,” Minister Volda Lawrence said.
Jevaughn Stephen, the Director of Health services in the region, noted that the centre is located 18 miles from New Amsterdam, where the main hospital is located. He explained that the distance was considered when deliberations were held on the centre’s construction. “We have to ensure residents have access to quality health care without experiencing financial hardships, therefore, the idea was birthed to build a health centre at Plegt Anker,” Stephen stated.
In addition to Minister Lawrence, present at Wednesday’s commissioning ceremony were junior health minister Dr. Karen Cummings, senior officials of public health, including Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako, Chief Nursing Officer, Linda Johnson and regional representatives.
