Essequibo Coast gets $8.4M health centre, doctors quarters - Residents thank Gov’t
Saturday, 14 December 2013, Source
The new $8.4M health centre and living quarters for
doctors at Good Hope on the Essequibo Coast
RESIDENTS of Good Hope, Supenaam and other surrounding communities on the Essequibo Coast are very thankful to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government for constructing a modern $8.4M health centre and living quarters for doctors.Minister of Regional Development and Local Government, Mr. Ganga Persaud, who commissioned the new building on Thursday, said the project had started from the community level.
According to him, one of the hallmarks of the PPP/C Government developmental programme has always been to respond to a need coming from the community.
He said, when the Government does that, then it can ensure whatever is constructed with taxpayers’ money is never left to be categorised as a white elephant, a concept not pleasing to the ears nor the memory as a people, nation or country.
Persaud said the request for the erection of the health facility and living quarters was one that came from the community.
He announced that residents of Good Hope and other surrounding communities will have the services of a residential doctor at the health centre.
Meanwhile, he commended the Government and people of Cuba for the constant support they have given to Guyana in helping to boost the human resources in the medical field.
The Minister said now Region 2 has 20 doctors and one is a resident doctor at the Good Hope Health Centre.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
Persaud said the PPP/C Government’s massive investment in health, over the past 20 years, has resulted in life expectancy increasing from 47 years to 69 years today and that is a remarkable achievement.
Region 2 Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud said the new health centre with living quarters for resident doctors is testimony of the PPP/C Government’s intention to provide efficient and quality health care for citizens.
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Allison Brown said the Region 2 Health Department is happy to have community involvement in the project.
She disclosed that the signboard at the health centre was donated by a resident, Mr. Alli.
Present at the commissioning ceremony, too, were Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Sunil Singh; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government, Mr. Collin Croal and several residents of Good Hope.
