Construction is nearing completion on a diabetic center at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) even as works will begin on the construction of a new regional hospital at Enmore, ECD in the next two months.
The construction of these health facilities will also be complemented by a children’s hospital to be built at Ogle, raising the standard and improving access to healthcare services for residents in several ECD communities.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony updated residents on these new facilities during a government outreach to Buxton, ECD on Monday.
“We are in very exciting times. We now for the first time have resources that can take this country to another level. What our ancestors dream about but never had resources to accomplish.”
“When we look on this East Coast there is so much that is going to be happening and I can speak about health care,” Dr. Anthony said.
He explained that the regional hospital at Enmore will reduce the demand on the Georgetown Public Hospital.
“No longer will people have to go to Georgetown to get surgery. It will be done right here on the East Coast.
“When we finish the hospital, it will have a modern accident and emergency unit, new labs, 75-bed inpatient facility, two modern theatres, imaging suites with CT scans, digital x-ray, and everything for modern health care… instead of going to Georgetown you can come to this regional hospital,” he said.
The Enmore Polyclinic, the first of its kind in Guyana, will be upgraded to facilitate this regional hospital to serve the East Coast of Demerara.
Similarly, Dr. Anthony said hundreds of people who suffer from diabetes will also benefit from the center which is nearing completion at Lusignan. IT was announced in the national budget and will cost the government $35 million.
“Everything relating to diabetes you will be able to go there and get all advice and help you need… if you need nutritional advice, that will be given. If you need to check your eyes, it will happen. If for some reason you have a sore that is not healing, you will be able to get treatment right there.
“As we speak, we are putting the finishing touches to that facility and before the year is over it will be opened,” the health minister added.
Already, a new Infectious Diseases Hospital was opened on the ECD with plans to also construct a children’s hospital at Ogle.
“It’s a 256-bed hospital for children who will need special services.”
Children will be able to access pediatric cardiac services free of cost.
This is being done even as upgrades are promised for the Georgetown Public Hospital and other health facilities across the country.
Dr. Anthony said special attention is being given to persons suffering from HIV and cancer.
“This government will like to see people live long and healthy lives and the only way is to ensure we have world-class healthcare and that is what we are aiming to deliver,” Dr. Anthony added.
