Region Six to get new nursing school – Pres. Ali

A new nursing school will be constructed in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) as part of efforts to integrate more trained nurses into the expanding healthcare system, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced on Friday.

The President said this while addressing residents of Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) before he recommissioned the Lethem SMART hospital. He assured the residents that the government was placing much emphasis on improving and expanding healthcare services across the country.

And crucial component in expanding these services, Dr. Ali reasoned, is the need for more trained personnel. As such, he noted that a training strategy will be developed and executed in all regions across the country for pharmacists, nurses, lab technicians, dental technicians and other needed workers.

Specifically for nurses, however, he highlighted that the new nursing school would be constructed in Region Six. This facility will include a dormitory to allow individuals from other regions to attend the school and benefit from the training.

“… we have to train more than we need, so we are going to invest in a massive training programme for nurses,” the President said.

Importantly, Dr. Ali also highlighted that the government will be making key investments to expand the primary healthcare services offered across Guyana. Primary health care focuses on providing preventative, curative and rehabilitative healthcare services to people; it is particularly necessary to help with the early detection and treatment of diseases.

Complementing the government’s planned investments in primary healthcare, Dr. Ali said, are several private investments from local and foreign entities. And already, he said that two local healthcare providers are in discussions with global partners to merge their resources and develop a world-class healthcare facility.

Additionally, the government has received proposals from various countries. These include a group from the United States (US), which has signalled an interest in making a US $250 million investment for tertiary healthcare; the British Government through financing from a British Private Arm, and the Austrian Government which is exploring the construction of a Children and Maternity Hospital.