University of Guyana Leads Health and Wellness Outreach for Traffic Police Officers

The University of Guyana’s College of Medical Sciences, through the School of Medicine’s Departments of Medical Rehabilitation and Optometry, successfully launched the first in a series of Health and Wellness Outreach Fair for members of the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary Compound, Georgetown.

The initiative—organized by Dr. Maria Sheena Villareal, together with Dr. Genalin Ang, Dr. Maritza Perez, and Mr. Akhil Raghunandan—engaged over twenty dedicated volunteers from both departments and the Optometry Students’ Association. The event was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Courts Optical, and was made possible through the support and coordination of Ms. Ramona Doorgen, Coordinator of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), Mr. Earle Lambert, Chairman GNRSC, Traffic Chief Mr. Mahindra Singh, Inspector Richard Trotz, Inspector David Inniss and the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force.

Comprehensive services were offered on-site, including:

• Comprehensive Eye testing. 
• Blood pressure, blood sugar, and general laboratory testing
• Musculoskeletal and postural screening
• General health and body check-ups
• General cancer screening
• Wellness and stress screening

A total of 145 officers and ranks benefited from the initiative, receiving vouchers valued up to GYD 25,000 for prescription eyewear, along with additional special offers courtesy of Mr. Simpson’s Unicomer, Courts Optical. This collaborative effort also received support from the Ministry of Health, the Medical professionals, and Balwant Singh Hospital.

The outreach series will continue over the next three weeks at the same venue, extending these essential wellness services to more officers within the Traffic Department.

Dr. Villareal emphasized that, “the health and well-being of traffic officers—who serve daily on the frontlines of road safety—must remain a national priority. Through partnerships like this, we can identify risk factors early, promote healthier lifestyles, and ensure those who protect the public are also protected in their health.”

The University of Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting occupational health, community well-being, and evidence-based service delivery, in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s strategic goals for a healthier Guyana.