Over 100 complete patient care assistant training programme

A total of 128 individuals from Regions Three and Four have successfully completed the Ministry of Health’s Patient Care Assistant Training Programme for 2025. The graduates were recognised on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Pegasus Atlantic Suites in Georgetown.

Of the 128 graduates, 34 were the first batch to be trained in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara). The programme’s lecturers also hailed from the region. The remaining 94 graduates were from Region Four (Demerara–Mahaica).

Participants underwent rigorous theoretical and practical clinical training, acquiring the necessary skills to support nurses and other healthcare professionals in delivering patient care.

Graduates told the News Room that the knowledge they gained will significantly impact their lives and careers.

“The experience in the classroom was very good, but when I was in the hospital it was a bit challenging because you’re introduced to a different setting,” Chandrawattie Deodat said. She intends to further her studies and build on her new career.

Beyonce Samuels, 21, said it had been her childhood dream to work in the healthcare sector. Samuels noted that her family and friends supported her throughout the programme.

“The lecturers were really nice and straightforward, but you just had to put your best foot forward and study,” Samuels said.

Nicoletta Samuels shared that following her pregnancy, she decided she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.

“The teachers were very supportive for each of my classes, I understood everything, it was quite easy for me and I did pretty good and I am proud of myself,” she said.

As part of their practical training, participants were exposed to various hospital departments including the surgical guilds, male and female wards, and paediatrics.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony told the graduates that new hospitals are being constructed to provide the necessary infrastructure and resources to support their work.

He also noted that the Ministry has partnered with several international bodies to offer training opportunities both locally and abroad.

“Most of you who are here, you are now starting up in your career in healthcare, you had some basic training.
But we don’t want you to stay at this level because there are many other levels in healthcare,” the Health Minister said.

Dr Anthony further encouraged the patient care assistants to pursue advanced studies as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the country’s healthcare system.

Through its various programmes, the Ministry of Health employs trained individuals, a move aimed at ensuring job security in the face of constant advancements in science and medicine.