COVID-19 wing opens at the West Demerara Regional Hospital

Today, a COVID-19 wing was commissioned at the West Demerara Regional Hospital in Region Three to cater to COVID-19 positive persons who may require hospitalization.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand who was present at the commissioning ceremony asked the staff of the hospital and regional representatives to recognize the capacity that the hospital now has with its new facility which has the capacity to provide care for 50 patients.

Touching on the matter of COVID-19 vaccination, Minister Manickchand said that Guyana is one of the few countries that has enough vaccines for its eligible population. She said that it is worrying that with the vaccines in hand, the vaccination rates remain too low. She encouraged those present to reach out to their friends and relatives who have not yet taken the vaccine to do so as soon as possible.

Minister Manickchand said that the Government of Guyana is conscious of the effort made by health care workers particularly during this time who have not stopped working to ensure the health sector does not shut down. She expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Guyana to the doctors and nurses at the hospital for the service they continue to provide.

Also present at today’s event was Member of Parliament, Dr. Tandika Smith, Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Regional Chairman, Mr. Inshan Ayube and Regional Health Officer Dr. Erica Forte.