Need for stepped-up monitoring at our borders

Oct 27, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

A few weeks ago, Jan Khan described what was considered the appalling situation at the Skeldon Hospital, including the conditions his family faced during his sister’s stay at that institution, her last days on earth. It was a description of Skeldon Hospital, where communication with the capital Georgetown is good, and the ability to correct the identified lack of resources and supplies could be easily rectified. We have not seen any further report in the press and would be happy to learn from the authorities in Region Six and/or the Ministry of Health of any corrective measures, which have been implemented.

Having read of Region Six, we have been wondering about the situation in the other regions, where the free flow of information may be a bit more difficult, and less likely to reach the press. As an example, what of the situation in Region One, the North West Region, through which we hear reports of many new arrivals from Venezuela? As the population increases, by transition or settlement, demand for health services and attention will increase, and one is left to ponder whether steps have been taken to increase supplies to that Region.

We are pleased to see the Government and Opposition discussing and taking a unified position for our Dear Land, on the sabre-rattling by Venezuela. But have we stepped up our vigilance/monitoring among the visitors (long or short term) and reinforced human resources and supplies where they are free to settle?

Over the past few years, there have been reports of marked increases of malaria among the gold- mining and general population in the highly endemic eastern areas of Venezuela, west of Guyana’s Regions 1, 7 & 8.

As with Region Six, we would be happy to learn whether additional resources for health have been deployed to Region One. As an example, to register and screen arrivals at ports of entry (formal and informal) in Region I, to detect those with symptoms, diagnose, and initiate treatment of malaria upon entry to Guyana. And, to take it even a step further, to strengthen surveillance and monitoring in any additional Regions, such as Region 2,7 and 8 where similar arrivals may choose to enter and/or reside.

Yours sincerely,

Keith H. Carter, MD

Borders, Jan Khan, Keith H. Carter, MD, Monitoring

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