The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five, has officially opened a new health simulation centre on the West Coast of Berbice, giving student nurses and other health workers somewhere to train without leaving the region.
The facility sits next to the regional hospital and is expected to widen practical training opportunities for health care workers across Mahaica-Berbice.
Until now, nursing students from Region Five had to travel to Georgetown or New Amsterdam whenever they needed hands-on clinical practice. That travel cost them both time and money, and in some cases discouraged residents from pursuing a career in health care at all. The new centre allows the same practical components to be completed close to home.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said the simulation centre forms part of a wider government effort to strengthen health services and expand medical training across the country.
The Minister also outlined plans for a much larger training facility in New Amsterdam, which is to include classrooms, a computer laboratory, a library and dedicated training rooms.
Officials say the investments are intended to build a bigger pool of trained health workers to meet the growing demands of Guyana’s health sector, particularly in the outlying regions where staffing has historically been thin.
The Ministry of Health is encouraging current and prospective health workers to take advantage of the new training opportunities as the country continues to build out its health care system.
The report was filed for LRTVS Newswatch by Shayla.