New recruits urged to make a difference in “challenge fraught” health sector

Sep 06, 2019 News

“The good physician treats the disease (but) the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” This quote by Sir William Oster, one of the founding professors of the John Hopkins Hospital, in the United States, was this week amplified by Minister of Public Health, Ms Volda Lawrence as she welcomed a batch of 21 new health workers into the system.

Seated from left in front of the 21 new health workers are: Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer; Ms. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health; Dr. Karen Gordon- Campbell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Mr. Glendon Fogenay, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance).

Among those inducted into the system are 19 General Medical Officers (GMOs), one physical therapist and one sports massage therapist. Minister Lawrence challenged them to choose between settling for being good or striving to become great.
“I wish to encourage you to reflect deeply on your response as you prepare to provide the health services which your training abroad facilitated,” the Public Health Minister told the new health workers as she urged them to be efficient and effective in their duties.
The Minister went on to note that although the country’s health-care sector is still “fraught with challenges” she is optimistic that this batch of new health workers can make a difference with their devotion, care and versatility. “Our patients are our priority. They will each come with a different story or problem, but you will be in that unique position not only to treat, but reassure them demonstrating that you care,” the Minister said.
She went on to challenge, the new health workers to complement each other to help achieve greater outcomes within the five levels of health-care in Guyana. “I know that each of you is replete with ideas and novel ways of approach which you are anxious to share to effect change, but you must exercise patience. You cannot expect a change overnight, so your attitude in moving forward cannot be arrogance, condescension, impatience and worse still, withdrawal and complaints,” she counselled.
She also emphasised the importance of exercising listening, good mannerisms and patience with their patients. “Words are powerful and when coupled with respect, kindness, confidentiality and professionalism, our patients’ response to this continuum of care will be heightened,” Lawrence said.
The Minister’s statement came at the start of a two-day orientation and training programme held in the East and Lamaha Streets, Boardroom of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) for the new health workers. The event was held under the theme, ‘An overview of the health system in Guyana, functions of the national health care system and other aspects governing the seven major programmes under the Ministry of Public Health’.
“We in the Public Health sector embrace you with love and hope that this love would be reciprocal and would transcend all barriers and challenges and filter down to the most important people in this circle, the citizens of our beloved country,” Lawrence said. The two-day programme was facilitated by Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer (CMO); Dr. Karen Gordon-Campbell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) and other Programme Heads and Coordinators of the Public Health Ministry.
Dr. Tanika Luncheon, Technical Officer attached to the CMO’s office was also part of the coordinating team.
Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance) of the Ministry of Public Health, Mr Glendon Fogenay, told the new health workers that while they are expected to function as medical personnel, “they ought to learn, know and understand the basic functions of the various programmes and departments of the Ministry.”
While reminding the new officers of the importance of integrity, Fogenay expanded on the aspect of humility when carrying out their daily functions.
“Humility is very important character of a public servant….True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. You are here as a public servant, and you are here to serve the client,” the DPS said.
With the completion of the training programme yesterday, the 21 health workers who were trained in China, Cuba, Jamaica and Russia become eligible to be formally inducted into the public health sector. They will be rotated in different working environments such as health centres and health posts throughout Guyana, including those in the country’s sprawling hinterland communities.