The Government of Guyana is currently upgrading facilities around the country to improve maternal and child health, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says. Following improvements made at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the completion of a maternal waiting home in Lethem, the ministry is now shifting its focus on the upgrade of the Enmore Polyclinic and the installation of a maternal home at that facility.
The waiting home will cater for women with ‘uncomplicated’ pregnancies, who can stay at the home until giving birth. He added that expectant mothers can also visit the facility for regular check-ups.
“The facility will be equipped with things like ultrasound and so forth, so that proper dating and diagnosis can be made, and of course, you come, you stay in and you’ll be able to deliver your baby there and if it’s necessary, the facility will also be equipped with minor surgical theatres for those types of operations that might be needed,” he said.
That clinic will also be renovated owing to the “number of deficiencies”. Works will be carried out on the flooring, walls, and rooms. An extension of the clinic is also on the cards. He added that monies have already been set aside to enhance the polyclinic.
Over $140M was allocated for the establishment of these maternal waiting homes and facilities at Enmore, Moruca, and Kato, and construction and retrofitting of the maternity ward and wing at the New Amsterdam Hospital.
