The Ministry of Health in Collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Pan American Health Organization/World health Organization (PAHO/WHO) unveiled a billboard to mark the start of the upgrades to be carried out at the Leonora Cottage Hospital, under the Smart Health care Facilities Project, in region three, Guyana.
In attendance of the simple ceremony were Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Alli, President of the cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, Mr. Ray Davidson, Acting British High Commissioner, Dr. Luis Codina, PAHO/WHO Representative, Mr. Malcom Watkins, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Erika Forth, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Tandika Smith, District Medical Officer, The Smart Hospital Project Team, among other members of parliament and residents of Leonora.
Dr. Codina highlighted that the Smart Hospital Initiative seeks to link structural and operational safety and disaster resilience with resources, reducing interventions at a reasonable cost-benefit ratio, and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. He reminded the gathering that PAHO/WHO will continue to support the Ministry of Health in such projects to improve the health system.
Dr. Anthony remarked that the project is said to result in enhanced safety standards for the healthcare workers and the users of the facility, a reduction in downtime and damaged hospitals from natural hazards, as well as a reduction in water and electricity consumption.
Mr. Davidson stated that the British Government is please to contribute to this profound project that will benefit the Guyanese and urged the government to apply the standards of the Smart Health Care Facilities Project when building new facilities as well as upgrade other facilities throughout the country.
Dr. Forth charged the contractor to deliver the works as agreed and informed them that full support will be given to by the facility management to ensure the success.
The feature address was delivered by the President. Dr. Irfaan Ali, said the initiative will have a profound effect on the lives of people and accountability lies with both the individual and the community. As far as the financial architecture of the country, allows, support will be given to the healthcare system and the professionals working to improve the system. The President urged those responsible for managing the facility to ensure that it is people friendly. The government will be investing heavily to improve health care facilities across the country.
Five health care facilities across Guyana which will be retrofitted under the SMART Hospitals Project: Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Demerara/Mahaica, Region Four, Leonora Cottage Hospital, Essequibo Islands/West Demerara, Region Three, Lethem Regional Hospital, Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo, Region Nine, Mabaruma District Hospital, Barima/Waini, Region One and Paramakatoi Health Centre, Potaro/Siparuni, Region Eight.
In photo from left: Ms. Tamica Noel, Disaster Preparedness & Response and SMART Hospital Initiative, PAHO National Consultant, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Luis Codina, PAHO/WHO Guyana Representative, Mr. Daniel Albrecht, PAHO HSS Advisor and Mr. Ray Davidson, British High Commissioner, (ag).
