Amerindian communities call for improved health services

Sep 28, 2008 News

Residents of Malali, Upper Demerara, are somewhat concerned about the quality of health services that are available to them.

Mc Lean De Vieira, Toshao of Siparuta

Speaking to this newspaper, Toshao of the village, Wilbert Hall, noted that while the community is comfortable with some of the health services provided, there are other areas that need urgent attention.
According to Hall, of recent, there has been an increase in reported cases of typhoid, malaria and hay fever in the area.
He believes that the increased cases of typhoid are as a result of water pollution in the area. This newspaper was told that, once a month, a health team visits the community to screen for various medical conditions, including typhoid and malaria.
In addition, from time to time, foreign medical teams visit the area.
However, Hall is of the view that these visits are not enough and cannot be viewed as adequate health services.
Nevertheless, he commended the Ministry of Health for the HIV/AIDS programme implemented in the area.
“HIV/AIDS is not a problem in our community, but we are thankful for the workshops that are made available to the young people,” Hall said.
Meanwhile, the residents of Orealla and Siparuta, in Region Six, are complaining about the shortage of medical staff.
According to Mc Lean De Vieira, Toshao of Siparuta, from time to time the community is made to suffer because of staff shortage at the health centre. De Vieira said that when there are patients to be transferred from the location, the Medex and nurse on duty would normally leave with that patient, leaving the health centre without any staff.
“When this happens, if there is an accident or any incident that would require a nurse, there is no one at the health centre, and this should not be,” De Vieira said.
De Vieira is of the opinion that one way of remedying the situation is to send more nurses to the community.

Wilbert Hall, Toshao of Malali, Upper Demerara River

Meanwhile, when contacted, Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran, said that none of the issues raised by the village leaders with this newspaper have been brought to the ministry’s attention.
Ramsarran said that, as far as he is aware, there is a weekly report that is submitted to the ministry on malaria and typhoid cases.
“If there was an increase we should have been made aware, but we will be investigating,” Ramsarran said.
On the issue of inadequate medical personnel in Siparuta, Ramsarran said the Ministry of Health has not received a report on that either.
He, however, noted that it would be wrong for both the Medex and nurse on duty to leave the community at the same time, leaving the health centre unattended.
Ramsarran has promised to investigate that matter as soon as possible.