GPHC to commence ultrasound training programme

Feb 01, 2012 News

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in collaboration with

Professor Debra Isaac presents ultrasound machine to GPHC’s CEO Michael Khan

the University of Guyana is gearing to commence a certificate training programme in echocardiography, to specialize medical practitioners in utilizing diagnostic ultrasound.
This initiative is supported by Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and is being assisted by two Professors, Debra Isaac and Dr. Kishar Narine, Cardiologist, of the University of Calgary, Canada.
Dr. Narine explained this during an interview with this publication yesterday. He stated that the selection process for suitable candidates is ongoing and the programme is slated to begin in March.
Dr. Narine also pointed out that suitable candidates include persons with medical backgrounds, but the programme is not designed as continuing education for medical practitioners. It would provide much needed specialty of ultrasound to diagnose patients before medical and surgical therapies.
Meanwhile, the Northwest Cardiodiagnostic Echocardiography Lab in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, supported by the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and the University of Calgary, yesterday donated a Vscan GE ultrasound machine with a handheld scanner capable of performing cardiac, abdominal and obstetric ultrasound examination. A laptop computer was also donated for storage of study data.
The equipment was received by Michael Khan, GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, who expressed gratitude for the items. He mentioned they would undoubtedly enhance the quality of service provided to the patients of the hospital.
Khan noted that the state-of-the-art scanner will allow the identification of potentially life-threatening cardiac, abdominal and obstetrical conditions. He noted that its small size and large capabilities make it possible for use in the Accident and Emergency Department and in outreach programmes in rural areas, as well as in the clinics and wards of the hospital.