20 telemedicine sites to be established in June

As the government works to improve the delivery of healthcare services in the country and increase access to primary healthcare for those living in remote communities, some 20 telemedicine sites will be established in hinterland communities by the end of June.

This was announced by Minister, Dr Frank Anthony at the launch of the National Expansion of the HEARTS Initiative for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases, Friday at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston. “We have just established four sites in Region One, just over the last two days, we have put in three sites in Region Eight,” the health minister disclosed.

This is in keeping with the administration’s commitment to improving access to primary healthcare for residents living in remote hinterland communities. The electronic system will allow doctors in the capital city to easily contact community health workers (CHWs) in rural communities.

Minister Anthony also revealed that in the new week, four additional telemedicine sites will be established in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni.)

The sites will be equipped with technological devices that include a digital stethoscope, pulse oximeter, infrared thermometer, blood pressure monitor, mobile ultrasound, exam cameras and others.

“We’re building out this telehealth infrastructure and what that will allow us to do, that with the help of the Community Health Worker in a very remote community, we would be able to monitor our patients in a more effective way,” Dr Anthony stated.

The first four telemedicine sites were established in Gunns Village, Nappi, Yupukari and Parikawarinau in 2022.

To further expand the programme, the government allocated $1.8 billion in budget 2023 to implement the telemedicine system in Region One (Barima – Waini), Region Seven (Cuyuni –Mazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro – Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo).

Meanwhile, the health ministry has developed an electronic health record and legislation which will protect patients’ privacy and confidentiality.

As government remains committed to improving access to education by ensuring that schools are available to accommodate learners, several educational facilities in Region Seven are set to be rehabilitated.

To achieve this, the government has invited bids from eligible persons to conduct maintenance works at D.C Caesar Fox Secondary School in the Upper Mazaruni for $5 million, and at Phillipai Nursery to the tune of $4 million.

Another $3 million will be expended to maintain Imbaimadai Primary, and $2 million was also set aside to execute works at Little Achievers Nursery School.

Meanwhile, some $4 million will be expended to maintain teachers’ living quarters at the Bartica Secondary School Complex and a total of $3 million for the living quarters at 4th Avenue, Bartica.

The completion of these projects would enhance the delivery of high-quality education for the students in the region and improve the living conditions of teachers.

This year, $94.4 billion has been set aside by the government to significantly expand access to education.

Meanwhile, residents from various communities in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region will also benefit from the rehabilitation of several health posts.

The works include $12 million to extend the health post at Chinoweing in the Upper Mazaruni, $13 million to rehabilitate and extend the Karrau Health Post, $10 million for the Issano Health Post, and $9.8 million to rehabilitate and extend Agatash Health Post.

Maintenance works will be executed at the Kurupung Health Post to the tune of $3 million, $6 million to transform Bartica Hospital, $4 million for the nurses’ hostel at Bartica, and $4 million will be expended for works on the doctor’s living quarters at Phillipai, Upper Mazaruni.

All bids must be addressed to the Chairman, Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Regional Administration Office, First Avenue, Bartica, no later than June 20, 2023, at 9:00 am.

Construction of hinterland houses in Smith Creek set to Commence

Theconstruction of houses under the Hinterland Housing Programme in Smith Creek, Region One is set to commence, as empoldering of the identified lands is completed and materials are on the ground.

Ten of the most vulnerable families in the community were selected to benefit from the 20×25 ft elevated timber homes, based on community consultations.

The Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, in a recent meeting with residents stated that the programme is in keeping with a promise of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali while on