Thirty-four graduate as pharmacy assistants, lab technicians

A scene from the ceremony (Ministry of Health photo)
A scene from the ceremony (Ministry of Health photo)

Yesterday,  34 students from across the ten administrative regions of Guyana graduated from the Ministry of Health’s pharmacy assistant and medical laboratory technician programmes which are being offered through the Division of Health Sciences Education.

A release from the Ministry of Health said that the  Pharmacy Assistant Training is a pre-service clinical programme that seeks to outfit pharmacy assistants with adequate knowledge, skills and ability to provide technical support to licenced pharmacists while the Laboratory Technician Programme focuses on providing clinical support through accurate and reliable results using the best technology and current methodologies. The release said that the training programmes lasted for a period of three years due to the challenges that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his feature address, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that plans are being composed for the Laboratory Technician and Pharmacy Assistant Training Programmes to be modified and offered in Hinterland areas.

“The MOH has been working with the Ministry of Education, Lecturers and other officials to ensure that more training programmes are made available for persons across all Regions of Guyana”, Dr Mahadeo stated.

The newly equipped graduands will be returning to their respective regions to deliver services at various health facilities.

Meanwhile, Dr Narine Singh, the Chief Medical Officer who was also at the graduation ceremony congratulated the new healthcare workers and encouraged them to commit themselves to selfless service as it’s much needed to boost any health care sector.

Also present at the graduation ceremony was Seraiah Validum, Director of the Division of Health Science Education and Deputy Director Chandroutie Persaud, and other senior officials of the MOH.