Over 100 graduate from Clinical & Technical Training Programme

A batch of 140 persons who successfully completed the Ministry of Health’s clinical and technical training programme graduated on Wednesday. These individuals were among the first trainees in Guyana to undergo training using the country’s telemedicine system.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony told the gathering at the Pegasus Suites Atlantic Conference Centre in Georgetown that the healthcare system is transforming to include digital technologies.

With this in mind, he urged the graduates to utilise the free learning opportunities offered by the government.

“In almost every sphere of medicine there are programmes that are there for you, pharmacy assistants, there are courses for you, the people in the lab, there are courses for you, now opportunities for learning has become very easy,” Dr. Anthony said.

The clinical and technical training programme comprised of individuals from the ten administrative regions as well as the Belize Defence Force.

Persons were trained in the Medex programme, pharmacy assistance programme, medical laboratory technician programme and the rehabilitation programme. They were awarded certificates of completion and associate degrees for the various courses.

Importantly, the hinterland graduates will provide vital services in their respective homestead areas upon their return. Medex services will be improved at the Mazaruni prison, Region Seven and Monkey Mountain, Region Eight. In Region Nine, for the first time, a Medex will be stationed at Karasabi, Sand Creek.

Kavika Moses, one of the graduates hailing from a community in Region Nine, told the News Room that being away from family during the four-year programme was a challenge.

“It was a huge adjustment for me, in terms of being away from my family…a little bit emotional.

“It was four years,” she said.

Lieutenant Ashley Williams from Belize also participated in the programme.

“It’s very intense but very educational and hands-on. When I go back home, I will work along with the force hospital in Belize,” Williams said.

Guyana’s healthcare sector is being built out to provide services and support throughout the Caribbean and Central America regions.

High Commissioner of Belize to Guyana, Gale Miller Garnett; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh and Director of Training and Education at the Health Ministry, Chandroutie Persaud-Bahadur, also attended the ceremony.