The Ministry of Health in collaboration with Northwell Health, Vanderbilt University, and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, on Monday commenced a 5-day workshop on Emergency Medicine training. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of emergency medical care, particularly in Guyana’s hinterland areas, by equipping selected Guyanese Physicians with specialised skills in emergency medicine.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony highlighted the importance of this training, emphasising the Ministry’s commitment to increasing emergency preparedness in light of the imminent launch of six new hospitals across Regions Two, Three, and Six.
“These hospitals will offer 24-hour emergency services, advanced diagnostic imaging, and inpatient care, necessitating a well-trained workforce proficient in rapid-response emergency procedures”, Dr Anthony said.
The Minister acknowledged the invaluable support from Northwell Health and Vanderbilt University, noting the partnership’s significance in building a skilled healthcare workforce ready to meet emergency medicine demands in urban and rural settings.
Addressing the challenges healthcare practitioners face in remote regions, the Minister underscored the importance of prompt and accurate diagnoses, recounting instances where training and access to life-saving equipment like ventilators could have improved patient outcomes.
He also re-emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to transforming rural healthcare facilities with new hospitals, advanced accommodations, and telemedicine connectivity through Starlink to ensure 24-hour communication with specialists.
The Minister further highlighted that this workshop is part of a larger strategy to elevate Guyana’s healthcare standards, promising additional training programmes to support physicians and improve patient care.
He encouraged participants to reignite their passion for medicine, urging them to lead by example in their respective institutions.
“This training will help you build a foundation to save lives, rekindle your dedication to the profession, and ultimately establish high-functioning emergency departments in every region”, he stated.
