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AFC promises free dialysis, recruitment of nurses from diaspora in health plan
Colin Haynes
Kaieteur News – The Alliance for Change (AFC) on Friday promised free dialysis to citizens, should they be elected to office come September 1.
The promise was unveiled as part of the party’s plans for the health sector. At its weekly press conference, Colin Haynes, a public health consultant told reporters that the party’s health plan will tackle the rising rates of chronic diseases.
He said the party will ensure “that everyone has access to free dialysis. Recently, dialysis has been a challenge, and people who are self-employed often don’t have access, as they may not have paid all their contributions to NIS, which covers two-thirds of the cost, while the government covers a third.”
Currently, the government provides $600,000 per patient receiving dialysis to help with the cost for the treatment. There are dialysis centers in Regions 2, 3, 4, 6 and 10. The Ministry of Health has embarked on a public-private partnership model to facilitate the centers.
Haynes disclosed that the AFC intends to prioritise mental health and is proposing to make it a standalone programme. In addition, the party wants to introduce two new programmes: health information technology and electronic medical records.
In the case of the health information technology, the party said it intends to keep abreast with advances like artificial intelligence. Further, attention will be placed on a climate change where its impact on health will be the primary focus.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is the shortage of nurses. We currently have a 4,000 deficit, and the construction of 12 new hospitals will create a need for another 2,000 nurses. While new hospitals will not immediately improve the situation, we plan to recruit 1,000 new nurses in the first 100 days, including those who are willing to return from the UK if offered a competitive compensation package,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, Haynes pointed to the wastage of medication along with what he termed as the “inhumane practice of dumping medication in the Demerara River, which violates international protocols.”
To prevent this, the party’s representative said that the party has designed a supply chain management plan that will, among other things, monitor medication levels by region and make sure that there is the timely delivery of necessary supplies. The plan will also ensure that essential medication like Panadol, Tylenol, and others will be available at every hospital, health center, and clinic.
“This healthcare plan is far-reaching, futuristic, and technological. It’s not a short-term solution but a comprehensive, strategic approach rooted in analysis and long-term sustainability. Our goal is to build a resilient healthcare system that addresses both present needs and future challenges,” Haynes said.
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