Public Statements
January 10, 2007
REGARDING Health Facilities Licensing Bill 2006, Bill No 29 of 2006
Representatives of
- Private Hospitals
- Doctors
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Radiographers
- Laboratory Personnel
- And Other Health Professionals
Held a Meeting on Wednesday January 10, 2007 and have UNAMINOUSLY REJECTED the Health Licensing Bill 2006, No 29 of 2006 and call for its immediate withdrawal. We request that stakeholders must be meaningfully consulted before any further legislation is proposed.
Surendra Persaud M.D.
President GMA
February 4, 2005
Message from Guyana Medical Association
With many areas remaining flooded and the fact that a “basin” effect has occurred in many villages and much of the water is unlikely to dissipate in the near future, the health risks to persons in these areas will progressively increase. It should also be noted that the health risks will not vanish when the water recedes but will change from essentially being water-borne illnesses to vector-borne illnesses.
The water in these areas is largely stagnant and with the large numbers of humans and animals residing in these waters, the degree of contamination with human and animal excrement will continue to increase. The cases of confirmed and presumed leptospirosis along with deaths are an indication of the degree of contamination and the risk to persons in these areas. In addition, other gastrointestinal illness presenting with vomiting and diarrhea will also be largely due to bacterial or parasitic infection resulting from the ingestion of sewage-contaminated water.
We would therefore strongly recommend that all persons, especially women, children and the elderly, vacate the flooded areas at the earliest possible opportunity. It is our belief that the continued presence of humans in these areas will lead to greater morbidity and mortality. Also, since the health threat is increasing and will be sustained, preventative health care measures may not be as effective as intended and thus every effort should be made to encourage citizens to vacate all flooded areas.
Surendra Persaud M.D.
President GMA
