Cuban trained Guyanese doctors undergoing orientation- urged to serve their country diligently
Written by Gina Webmasters, Published in News, Georgetown, GINA, October 06, 2015, Source
Over 100 recently trained Guyanese medical doctors are benefitting from a two-day orientation and training programme that commenced today at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara.
The session is aimed at introducing the graduates to the local public health system. It touches on areas such as quality and standards, maternal and child health, Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), standard treatment guidelines, rational use of antibiotics, HIV/Aids programme, and diabetes control among several other areas.
Addressing the young doctors, Minister in the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings pointed out that this is only the beginning of a long journey in medicine, and lauded them as they seek to serve their country.
“I commend you for your choice to return and serve your country and its people after studying for years in a foreign country…the APNU+AFC Administration is set on a course to heal this nation, and you will help us,” she told the batch.
The Minister urged that they be prepared to go to every corner of the country to serve citizens. “You will be placed in health care facilities across the country, work diligently…and rise above all challenges,” she said.
She then pointed out that these individuals would be required to work in various areas of medicine rather than only in basic care. To this end, Minister Cummings noted that $81.2M has been allocated for the Step Wise approach, the Chronic Diseases Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) survey, which seeks to collect, analyse and disseminate data on chronic diseases.
Further, she advised that patient-doctor relationships are meant to be confidential, and expressed hope that this will be practised with great professionalism.
In closing, the Minister urged the doctors to be bold and seek help from their seniors when needed.
Also officials of the Ministry of Public Health expressed gratitude to the Cuban Medical Brigade, for the role they have played in grooming the young doctors.
