- Minister Ramsarran urges them to be competitive

Georgetown, GINA, June 25 2008

A batch of 21 students graduated today from the first Pharmacy Assistant Training Programme conducted by the Ministry of Health, adding to the list of qualified professionals to serve the country.
The 12- month programme which began in January was the first of its kind and was conducted at the Liliendaal training Centre. A multifaceted programme was done prior to the Pharmacy Assistant Training Programme.
Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and other officials attended the graduation ceremony held at the Georgetown Club.
The Minister reminded the newly trained Pharmacist Assistants that they will have more responsibility on their shoulders and urged them to step up to the challenge
The Ministry continues to emphasize its four points in medicine and these are to ensure value for money, equity to access and services, delivery of quality services and providing client friendly oriented services.
He urged the gathering to help manage resources available, noting that the Regional Health budget for 2008 is $360M, a sharp increase from previous years. Minister Ramsaran said government’s policy is to ensure that all citizens receive quality medical care.

The Minister reminded the graduates to go beyond being a pharmacy assistant.
The government in keeping with its commitment to deliver quality health care services is continuing to give young people opportunities, the Minister said.
Four hundred and thirty one students are undergoing nursing training, the largest number of people in any training course in Guyana, he said.
The Minister also reminded health workers of their duty and the importance of being punctual and prompt at all times to ensure that clients receive efficient attention.
The Ministry with international support has invested millions in constructing state- of –the- art hospitals to reduce the mortality rate in satisfying the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). This he noted is one step forward in providing professional services.

Minister Ramsarran said that the administration recognizes that there are many challenges confronting society and in this regard he noted that while the Ministry may not be able to provide material incentives many non- salary incentives such as improved working conditions and training have been forthcoming.
He urged graduates to become computer literate and more competitive. “We have to use modern technology to improve efficiency of the health sector.”
The Minister further noted that one of the challenges facing the sector is the migration of health workers and in this regard he noted that the Ministry is continuing training.
By 2011, the country should be self sufficient in producing doctors, with over 500 doctors to return from Cuba.
With massive investments in training and hospitals across the country there will be equity in the delivery of services.
The Minsiter noted that while there be many challenges, he encouraged students to grab the opportunities that these challenges present.