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GPHC receives $1M for environmental enhancement
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s efforts to revamp its immediate surroundings have attracted sponsorship with corporate citizen Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company donating a grant of $1M to aid the works.
Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Michael Khan, noted at the simple ceremony, that it has long been the aim of the hospital to work towards enhancing the appearance of its immediate environs and is grateful that the telecommunications company has come on board to assist in that regard.
Painted signs on the New Market Street roadway in front of the GPHC Accident and Emergency Ward
While the cheque was only handed over yesterday, the beautification works are well underway, including works to ensure that the entrances, particularly those at New Market Street remain cluster free.
Of the works visible, were signs of ‘No Stopping’ along the section of New Market Street where the hospital is located, while at the immediate entrance of the hospital, the urge of keeping the area clear is worded onto the road.
Additionally, it was noted that the hospital declared the section a ‘No Entry Zone’ to minibuses; and collectively a ‘No Parking’, ‘No Drop-off’ and ‘Keep Clear’ zone.
It was noted that the funds also enabled the hospital to deal with the problem of private taxi drivers who not only contributed to the overcrowding of the hospital entrances but also molested patrons while soliciting customers.
Public Relations Advisor, Vic Insanally, noted that it has been a constant fight to maintain a clear passageway into and out of the hospital compounds with both taxi drivers and food vendors crowding the entrances on a daily basis.
He explained that these holdups often result in time being lost and also present danger to patrons, especially in emergencies involving ambulances.
To deal with this issue, the hospital has partitioned a section of the northern shoulder New Market Street to be used by 11 taxi drivers authorised by the Corporation. The area was designed so as to allow the taxis to operate on a ‘turn’ basis. This provision, it is hoped, will ease the cluster at the gates of the hospital.
According to Insanally, the plans went further where the hospital’s administration took a decision to “take back” the East Street parking lot. He said that management will be working to reintroduce the initial intended use of the park, which was to cater for the parking of vehicles used by visitors to the hospital.
He said that it is especially appropriate now since parking will not be allowed at the immediate entrance or surrounding areas of the hospital and urged that patrons recognize this arrangement.
He said that the hospital will be seeking the assistance of the Police Traffic Department and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to enforce the decisions made involving the use of the roadway.
Not too long ago, moves by GPHC to remove the vendors were seen as “taking bread out of their mouths” and as such, the works were ordered to cease.
In response, the hospital’s CEO has maintained, over the time, that while it is not management’s intention to obstruct the livelihood of the vendors, consideration must be given to ensure that the hospital’s environs are managed properly and in a way that ensures cleanliness.
In the near future, the hospital will be embarking on a project to create a food court. Of course, vendors who would want to occupy spaces there would have to fit the requirements, including being holders of legal food handlers certificates.
As of now, however, Khan said that management will be looking to relevant authorities to assist in moving them to areas where they do not crowd the entrance of the hospital.
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