According to a release yesterday from the Ministry of Health (MoH), 38 persons from Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) are set to undergo a 6-month Community Health Worker (CHW) training programme. This programme is scheduled to commence tomorrow at the Charles Roza School of Nursing in Linden.
The release informed that the CHW programme was officially launched yesterday at the Quacy Paddy Conference Room at Bamia Health Centre by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, in the presence of Director (Ag) of the Health Sciences Division at the Ministry of Health, Chandroutie Persaud, and Regional Health Officer of Region 10, Dr Gregory Harris.
During his address, Dr Anthony noted that the healthcare system in Guyana is evolving, hence the need for increased human resources in every field of medicine. “We are seeing a rapid expansion of health care services, and we would need people, with different specialties and skills to work; we believe by making training available in the regions, we will have a higher retention rate.”
He added, “We are moving the sector in a different direction where services will be provided close to where citizens reside, easing that burden of having to travel to Georgetown for services and treatment.”
The minister noted that just last month, MoH had launched the hybrid professional nursing programme which has since attracted 1,162 candidates, 180 of which are from Region 10.
Dr Anthony reassured the students that upon the successful completion of their training, employment with the ministry is guaranteed. He also announced the upcoming launch of the multi-laboratory technician and the pharmacy assistant programme in the region.
Meanwhile, Persaud pointed out that the ministry’s training programme caters for students’ current needs while in training and even post-training.
“Meals, accommodation, transportation, and stipends are provided and we have systems in place if you have any issues, if you need to reach out for support, we are here for you,” she assured the students.
