Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy recently sought to reassure Guyanese living with HIV that the government will continue to play its part in ensuring all local treatment facilities are “stigma-free zones”.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, the Medical advisor addressed the hesitancy of persons visiting the National Care and Treatment Centre (NCTC) to be treated, which stems from fear of discrimination.
He first cleared up a misconception that persons are referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for HIV treatment and are around other patients who may seek to discriminate against them for having the disease. He noted that “even though we say GPHC, GPHC is not a treatment site and it does not offer care for HIV patients. In the GPHC compound is located the National Care and Treatment Center, meaning, the facility is merely located in the compound of the GPHC and is separate from the hospital’s operations.”
He also pointed out that the government has made HIV treatment more accessible for Guyanese as there are currently 28 treatment sites throughout the country. “Our sites are in all regions and are equipped with persons fully trained in HIV care, including dealing with stigma reduction, “ Dr. Ramsammy conveyed, adding that there have been isolated cases of persons reporting stigma. He noted that in those instances, thorough investigations were conducted and it was found that some patients are not always cooperative and accommodating.
He further noted that hundreds of patients receive care without any confidentiality issues, however, there are some patients whose uncooperative or disruptive behaviour may expose other patients to such happenings. To remedy these situations, he indicated that efforts are made to relocate a disruptive patient to another treatment facility.
Dr. Ramsammy indicated that to expand the level of care offered to patients, the facility now has treatment available every day which has extended into the evening. This serves as a good option for patients who are caught up with their day jobs.
