Georgetown – As the 2011 Budget debate continues, defending a subvention for training for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said that such training is being done at different levels for bio-medical engineering and technicians both locally and internationally (Cuba and India). 
People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member, George Norton questioned a $20M increase for security services, to which the Health Minister explained that over the last few years, the Ministry has not been able to complete the signing of an agreement with a security firm. However, this year, that process is expected to be completed to provide security at various areas at the GPHC and the health centers that fall under its purview. Provisions were made for the renting of buildings to house Cuban doctors, and procurement of 20 pediatric beds, an ambulance, one operating table, and a quantity of kitchen equipment for the hospital.
With regards to the Health Ministry, a $10M increase has been allocated for various types of training to deal with chronic diseases and mental health for all of the primary health care providers (doctors, medex, and nurses).
Norton questioned a $19M increase for security services for the Health Ministry to which the Minister replied that increase will be expended on security services for new health facilities across the country including Linden and Kwakwani.
He also explained that $28M increase in miscellaneous expenses will go towards travel expenses for the Chinese and Cuban medical teams to return to their respective countries.
PNCR member, John Austin wanted to know how much money from the proposed $1.1B will be expended on medicines for Region Six. The Health Minister responded that the quantity of medicines that a region receives is based on its request.
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