At Berbice ICU commissioning…
Ramsammy announces more national health care advances

Source: Guyana Chronicle, 13th May 2008

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has announced that Guyana will have its first kidney transplant done here by next month and the state-of-the-art ophthalmology centre at Port Mourant, Corentyne, will be opened in July.

He made the announcement at the commissioning of a multi-million-dollar intensive care unit (ICU) at New Amsterdam Hospital, also in Berbice, commissioned a multi-million-dollar intensive care unit (ICU) last Friday.

Ramsammy told the gathering, including health care personnel, Rotarians, members of the diplomatic community and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), that the ICU outside of Georgetown, reiterates the call, to service clubs, other associations and churches, to assist in achieving the national goal of health for all.

He reminded that, despite one’s standing, political affiliation or ethnicity, illness sees no barrier.

Ramsammy observed that, while the country may not be blessed with an excessive number of health workers, the existing ones are dedicated and work beyond the call of duty and citizens should appreciate their efforts

He pointed out that the health sector has improved over the years, with open heart surgery and dialysis being done locally.

Ramsammy said patients should not pay for services at public health institutions and clinical audits will be conducted at privately owned facilities so as to ensure that they charge patients reasonably for what is delivered.

After the ICU was commissioned, a plaque was unveiled by the minister and President of New Amsterdam Rotary Club, Mr. David Armogan, followed by a tour of the place, during which Ishmael Ibrahim, 48, of Line Path, Skeldon, at Corentyne, too, was seen receiving treatment for renal failure.

Ibrahim was the second patient admitted to the ICU, after Victor Johnson, who succumbed to heart failure.

The facility will enable the institution to treat critically ill patients who were previously transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and it was equipped through the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam.

The need for the ICU was first identified two years ago, when Dr. Ramsackal joined the staff of the Regional Hospital as an intern and recognised that the quality of medical care there could be enhanced by such an establishment.

He put the proposal to the Board of the Regional Health Authority and its Chairman, Armogan requested that his Rotary Club undertake the project.

Speaking at the Friday function, Armogan said the Rotarians gave their full support to the venture that would benefit a wide cross-section of people residing on both sides of Berbice River.

He said a list, of needed medical supplies and equipment, was prepared by Ramsackal and discussed with Judge Majeed, a Guyanese Rotarian in Florida and attorney-at-law Jim Cisseran, who were both holidaying in Guyana.

Armogan had disclosed before that the requirements were acquired with assistance from Eon Gallie Rotary Club of Florida and Rotary International, from South West Medical Corporation, also in the United States (U.S.).

The shipment to Guyana, that cost US$33,720.99 and included a wide range of gadgets, were all cleared from Customs with the help of Minister Ramsammy.

Armogan told the Guyana Chronicle Friday that the room housing the ICU was modified to accommodate additional facilities and the donated things were installed by the Health Ministry.

A specially trained staff of eight will operate the ICU.