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A tale of two health systems Aug 26, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Peeping tom… Kaieteur News – Within a country’s health care system lies the truth of its progress, the measure of its humanity, and the extent of its inequity. When a young lady from Mon Repos pleads for prayers and financial assistance to undergo a life-saving brain surgery, the state of our healthcare system is not only questioned but exposed. Her surgery is estimated to cost G$7 million at a local private hospital—a figure that places her hopes, her future, at the mercy of the public’s charity. She claimed she had sought treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) only to be told, according to her, that such a procedure could not be performed there. If this assertion is true, we are faced with a grave indictment of our public health system, one that challenges the government’s narrative of progress and equity in public healthcare. The GPHC is the country’s main tertiary healthcare provider. Instead of wasting billions building new hospitals, this institution should have been upgraded to perform those specialized tertiary health care services that it presently does not provide. The GPHC was recently in the limelight for its accomplishment of performing a laparoscopic liver resection, a complex operation requiring precision, skill, and advanced technology. This triumph left the public with the impression that this was a sign of modernization and suggested that our public hospitals are no longer the poor cousin of their private counterparts. But the young lady’s plight paints a different picture—a glaring contrast that suggests a two-tier health system, one where life and death hinge on the ability to pay. In the narrative of modern medicine, brain surgery is a formidable feat, but it is by no means an impossible one. The fact that a private hospital can perform the surgery indicates that the expertise, equipment, and facilities exist within our borders. It is not a question of capability but one of accessibility and priority. Why, then, can this procedure not be done at the GPHC? If GPHC, the flagship of our public health system, cannot accommodate such critical care, then what are we to make of the so-called progress in public health? What remains of the claims of advancements and improvements when faced with the harsh reality that a young woman’s life may depend not on the skill of our surgeons but on the generosity of strangers? The gap between what is possible and what is available in our public hospitals speaks volumes about the priorities of our healthcare system and the structural inequalities that persist. Public health care is often depicted as a great equalizer, a system where the poor and the wealthy receive the same care, and where the quality of one’s treatment is not determined by the weight of one’s wallet. However, when public hospitals lack the resources or will to perform life-saving surgeries, it is the vulnerable who bear the brunt. They are forced to rely on the mercy of private institutions, which, while undoubtedly competent, operate on a principle of profit. For the poor, this profit-driven model turns hope into a commodity—a price-tagged prospect that many cannot afford. The reliance on private hospitals for specialized treatments creates a dangerous precedent, one where public health care becomes a façade—a mere safety net that cannot catch those who fall hardest. It turns public health into a paradox: a right enshrined in principle but denied in practice. It is imperative for the GPHC to clarify its position. The absence of a response would be tantamount to an admission, one that could undermine public trust in the health care system. If the GPHC indeed lacks the capacity to perform such surgeries, the government must confront this reality and take immediate steps to bridge the gap. Investments must be made not only in infrastructure and equipment but also in training and retaining skilled medical professionals. The disparity between public and private health care is not just a reflection of economic inequality but a moral failing, a reminder that the measure of a society is found in how it cares for its most vulnerable. There is hope that the GPHC does have the capability to perform the surgery and that the young lady’s appeal for help was born out of miscommunication rather than a systemic failure. If so, this incident should serve as a catalyst for improving the transparency and communication within our healthcare system. Patients must be informed of their options, and public hospitals must be proactive in showcasing their capabilities. The narrative of public health care must not be one of limitations but of possibilities, where the rights to life and health are not contingent on economic status. If the GPHC cannot perform this surgery, then the government must intervene and foot the bill. It costs more for some of those ribbon-cutting ceremonies that are held so regularly. But there is a much wider implication if indeed the GPHC does not have the capability to perform this surgery. If there exists a divide locally between what is possible and what is provided in our public health system, we are courting a system in which life and death may depend on the ability to pay. Related Similar Articles

The government and its critics Aug 26, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – Last week the nation witnessed the PPP/C Government again, reveling in abusing dissenting voices. This time it was over the hijacked National Toshaos Conference. The respected Amerindians Peoples Association, independent toshaos, and even the opposition were the targets. In the past, we heard labels such as loonies, obstructionists, busybodies, and more heaped on citizens fighting for the good of this country. Last week was more of the same. Descriptions- all derogatory have been dug up to bring scorn on the work of the APA and other Guyanese who are fighting for the betterment of their people. A few months ago slurs like loony and obstructionists were hurled at women activists who were trying to hold the government accountable. We see this description emerging again against persons who have condemned the miserly increase to teachers, paltry pension and other handouts to pensioners, and the general lack of care towards those suffering Guyanese who need the help of the government. There is now a settled culture in Guyana, where leaders lead the way with abusive language, and the army of followers in the government is only too delighted to expand and intensify the vilification and obscenities. The PPPC Government and its leadership have earned an ugly reputation for secrecy on matters of oil and gas, on the environment, on what Guyanese are going to get from all the money already spent, or about to be spent.  The Wales gas-to-energy project has been mired in disagreements and disputes from its inception.  Instead of having honest discussions with Guyanese, the government and its leadership concluded that Guyana is better served by labeling and tarnishing the reputation of citizens found to be offensive.  They are those who raise honest objections about oil and gas governance in general, and leadership impotence specifically.  The PPPC Government is so low, so limited in standards, that women activists are attacked, and women in the independent media are singled out and battered by men of dark bearing, and the darkest type of character. There is a female minister who has responsibility for gender violence.  Yet when her own comrades inflict vile abuse on women who raise their hand to question or object, the same minister forgets all the positive and powerful things that she claims to be about. Vice President Jagdeo these days revels in being a hissing, menacing presence when he is questioned, when his deceptions on the natural resources sector are exposed before the nation. Civil society in its widest representation comes in for the worst kinds of abuse and beating down by a leader who was a president for over a decade. He is the champion abuser, reviler, and denigrator, who seemingly eggs on his followers.  The only thing that matters to the government is that it is allowed to have its way, regardless of how potentially unsafe (or uneconomical) it could be for the Guyanese public.  The Wales gas-to-energy project is only one.  The secrecies surrounding projects and spending are others. When government is the chief abuser, then citizens are the biggest sufferers, and the country is the worst loser. Related Similar Articles

$6.41B allocated to upgrade roads in hinterland—Edghill tells Toshaos  Aug 26, 2024 News Amerindian leaders during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal last Thursday Kaieteur News – Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has announced a substantial investment of $6.41 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of roads in hinterland communities. He made this disclosure last Thursday while addressing Amerindian leaders during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal. “Right now, what we have programmed for 2024 is $6.41 billion. You will be able to look and see the scope and the magnitude of the development that is taking place in the hinterland communities,” the minister stated. Minister Edghill outlined a series of significant infrastructural projects across Regions One, Eight, and Nine. He emphasised the government’s commitment to improving connectivity and access in these remote areas, highlighting the scope and magnitude of the planned developments. A key project involves the construction of a crucial road link between Karasabai in Region Nine and Monkey Mountain in Region Eight, aimed at enhancing the efficient delivery of goods and services throughout the region. Minister Edghill stressed the importance of this project, describing it as a top priority to enhance the accessibility and economic opportunities for local communities. “The vice president has highlighted this as a priority, and we are committed to advancing this crucial development,” he further stated. A team from the ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, was dispatched to conduct surveys and determine the project’s costs and requirements.   The minister also pointed out that the goal is to bridge the gap between hinterland and coastland areas, to ensure equitable access to services and improve living conditions for Amerindian communities. In addition to the Karasabai to Monkey Mountain link, Minister Edghill announced that all internal roads in Mabaruma, Moruca, Port Kaituma, and Matthews Ridge in Region One will be upgraded to rigid pavement concrete. Work will soon begin on the road extending from Mabaruma township to Wauna. Moreover, the ministry is focusing on community road projects in Region Eight, where local challenges have hindered road maintenance. The public works minister acknowledged that manual labour has proven inadequate for current road conditions and announced plans to procure heavy-duty equipment, such as excavators, to aid in road construction. The ministry also intends to train and employ local operators for the equipment. Since 2020, the government has significantly increased its budget for hinterland road development, with expenditures rising from $823 million in 2020 to $3.4 billion in 2023. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Over 300 Amerindian leaders sworn in as JPs, rural constables Aug 26, 2024 News The Toshaos being sworn-in-in as Justices of Peace and Rural Constables Kaieteur News – A total of 362 Toshaos, senior councillors and chairpersons of the Community Development Councils from across Guyana were sworn in as ex-officio justices of the peace and rural constables. Some 114 Toshaos were sworn in as JPs, while 248 Toshaos, senior councillors and CDC chairs were sworn in as RCs. Following the ceremony, they were issued with their instruments. The swearing-in of these officers was the highlight of the final day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Friday. The leaders confidently took their oath of office, vowing to serve their communities in their respective capacities with integrity, and without fear or favour, before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs and the head of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Strategic Planning Unit, Khali Pareshram. Magistrate Gibbs commended the leaders for their dedication to serving their communities. She also expressed confidence, that they would handle their responsibilities with fairness, integrity and grace. Meanwhile, Pareshram reminded the new appointees that they are now bound by the law of Guyana and that all their actions must reflect the letter of the law. He also urged leaders to ensure they satisfy the needs of their people. “When you return to your communities, you will be dealing with issues relating to safety and security. I expect you to deal with all matters impartially and professionally. You are now the eyes and ears of your communities,” he stated. Pareshram noted that ‘as representatives of the Guyana Police Force, they must conduct themselves professionally’. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Over 1300 participate in GYSBI, Muneshwers job fair Aug 26, 2024 News A section of the gathering on Saturday Kaieteur News – Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI), in collaboration with its parent company Muneshwers Limited, and their joint venture partners, hosted a job fair on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at the Everest Cricket Club, Camp Road, Georgetown. The event, held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., attracted over 1,300 participants eager to explore career opportunities in Guyana’s rapidly growing oil and gas sector. Guyana’s Local Content Law stipulates that Guyanese companies with the relevant qualifications be given priority in the oil and gas industry. The job fair provided attendees with the chance to engage directly with employers, participate in on-the-spot interviews, and present their qualifications. Candidates were encouraged to bring their resumes, ID cards, academic certificates, TIN certificates, and other relevant documents to maximize their chances of securing employment. Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, attended the event and interacted with the job seekers. In a statement shared via social media, Dr. Singh praised the Muneshwers/GYSBI collaboration as a model of local content in action. He highlighted the partnership as an exemplary case of how Guyanese companies can engage with and benefit from the booming oil and gas industry. It was also stated that it is a benefit from the government’s crafting of a legal framework on local content to require and obligate the oil and gas industry to do business with Guyanese companies and Guyanese nationals. Notably, the government had solidified its commitment to ensuring that the benefits derived from the foreign direct investments into Guyana’s petroleum sector are captured and retained in-country, through the enactment of the Local Content Act of 2021. However, despite the law being implemented, there were still several issues local companies encountered, and the law is expected to be amended. Dr. Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to building a Guyana where existing Guyanese companies can expand and thrive, and where new enterprises can emerge and flourish. Moreover, the minister reiterated that the government is focused on creating opportunities for every Guyanese citizen to acquire the necessary skills to participate meaningfully in the country’s evolving economy. Recently, Dr. Martin Pertab, the Director of the Local Content Secretariat within the Ministry of Natural Resources, disclosed that while the Secretariat had reduced the payment period to 35 to 45 days, they are now looking to further revise that period down to 21 days. Dr. Pertab also revealed that local companies have earned a total of US$314 million from the oil and gas sector within the first six months of 2024. This figure represents more than half of the projected annual earnings for the sector. Related Similar Articles

UG to welcome over 11000 students for new academic year Aug 26, 2024 News The University will welcome over 11,000 new students for the new academic year Kaieteur News – The University of Guyana is set to begin the new academic year for 2024/2025 with a week-long series of orientation sessions culminating with a high energy formal opening on Friday August 30th. This year’s activities will bring new dynamism and innovation to the formal opening, the university said in a press release. The new high energy format will welcome new and continuing students even as Orientation sessions for Faculties and Units begin tomorrow, Monday, August 26th. The central hub for the formal opening and faculties meet-and-greet will be the new Multipurpose Auditorium at the Turkeyen Campus, gifted to the University of Guyana, from 2PM till 6PM. The formal Friday Commencement activities will begin at 12 Noon with an open campus event, providing students with the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and peers, explore the campus, student clubs and societies, and participate in other special activities in a festive atmosphere.  The ceremonial opening will take place at 2:00 PM at the new Multipurpose Auditorium, Turkeyen Campus, and will feature presentations from senior officers of the university, including Registrar Dr Nigel Gravesande, Deputy Registrar (ag) Dr. Daniella King, Deputy Vice- Chancellor for Academic Engagement Prof. Emanuel Cummings and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin. The Commencement ceremony will also feature cultural performances by the university’s talent ambassadors and other top performers. This event is open to all Faculty members, students, and their families.   People attending physically are expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. Meanwhile, UG said that virtual and face-to-face orientation sessions will take place from August 26 – 30 for new students at all campuses (Turkeyen, Berbice and IDCE Regional Campuses) and from September 12 to 13 for continuing students also on all campuses.  This year, the university said it is expected to welcome over three thousand five hundred (3500) freshmen(new students), who will join over eight thousand (8000) continuing students pursuing studies in various academic disciplines, Orientation sessions will begin daily from 9am. The University of Guyana said its orientation sessions are aimed at providing a step-by-step introduction to the University’s systems, policies, and resources that students need to settle in well during their academic journey. The most significant aspect of the activity is an introduction to all key administrative and academic personnel who provide guidance and services. This activity, which is a highpoint of the University’s academic calendar is particularly important for students to start their classes seamlessly. Students will also be introduced to the physical campuses, labs, faculties and classrooms as relevant. They will also be provided insight on the conduct of online classes if they are taking online or blended options.  Classes for most new and continuing undergraduate students will begin on September 2, 2024. The university said though many programmes are at capacity, students who have applied and not yet heard from the University or who wish to register for programmes that are not yet at capacity, are encouraged to complete pending applications or registrations at the earliest or risk losing their places. Those who still wish to attend the University for the new academic year can still apply during the next week. New applications close on August 31, 2024. Registration is ongoing for those students who have already applied and have still to accept the offer placement as well as for students who are continuing. The University will continue to offer its students three attendance options – face-to-face, online or blended learning formats. The mode of delivery will depend on the discipline being pursued by students, their geographical location and other special conditions such as work commitments or disabilities.   Faculties and other academic departments will continue to advise their respective students directly about options available to them.  Continuing students, who have not yet registered for the new academic year 2024/25, are urged to do so as soon as possible by checking into their SRMS accounts. Related Similar Articles

YBG concludes 2024 Development camp Aug 26, 2024 Sports Kaieteur Sports – The Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) wrapped up its Development Summer Camp yesterday at the Marian Academy Court Facility with a day filled with fun and friendly competition. Advanced winner of the YBG 3×3 Basketball league YBG’s Co-Director Chris Bowman hands over trophy to Best Female Camper Scenes from Marian Academy as YBG concluded its 2024 Basketball Development Camp and Youth League programme This year, over eighty campers from various communities and schools across Guyana, including one student from Tobago, took part in the camp. Among the participants, 56 were first-time campers ranging in age from 6 to 15, including 7 girls, who completed the three-week programme. Throughout the camp, participants were reminded of the significance of basketball for many young people, which is why YBG remains dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and development. Each camper received a personalized evaluation from their coach, providing insights into their progress. YBG extends a special thank you to the parents and children for choosing YBG and encourages continued growth through our Academy, held every Saturday at the Marian Academy Court. Campers had the chance to interact with coaches Willon, Shamar, Judah, Jeremiah, and Leona (coordinator), among others, who imparted their knowledge and honed the skills of potential future top athletes of Guyana. Meanwhile, The YBG group would also like to thank Marian Academy for allowing us to use their court and facilities. Additional thanks go to our community partners, including Edward B. Beharry Limited, G-Boats Inc, KFC Guyana, and the California to Guyana Basketball Foundation, whose unwavering support has made this initiative a success. Related Similar Articles