Georgetown : President Donald Ramotar has praised the efforts being made to address any possible Ebola cases locally. The Head of State had a firsthand look at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s (CJIA) preparations to address the medical requirements of any air traveller suspected of being infected with Ebola.
The President said that he is constantly being briefed on developments in the health sector, and Ebola is a major concern for the government. Health, transportation and security sectors and other stakeholders are involved in the effort, the President said.
“I’m very happy that this work is going on, and the seriousness with which it is being taken, as it’s important,” he said.
Recently, President Ramotar addressed the nation and called for broad based support from all stakeholders to help to prepare for the fight against any possible Ebola outbreak. Many have heeded this call, the President said, including the political opposition.
“I have had conversations with the Opposition leader and he has assured me of his full support in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the leader of the AFC (Alliance For Change) who also assured me of their support, and I plan to have meetings later this week with other stakeholders”.
The main purpose of his visit to the facility at the CJIA was to check the response of the government structures to make sure they are fully ready, and taking all precautions to try and keep this disease out of Guyana.
In terms of cost, the President said that government will do whatever is necessary to protect citizens and expressed the hope that any requested budgetary allocations are not cut by the political opposition, if required.
The on-going preparations, Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran stressed, were an “All Guyana, national effort”. Hundreds of persons have already received training to deal specifically with any suspected Ebola cases, he added.
“We will be having drills from time to time to ensure that we do not make human errors. As we roll out our training, the physical infrastructure is there and being developed along with the human infrastructure,” Dr Ramsaran said.
He pointed too, that every shift at the CJIA will have a doctor to address any potential issues and similar measures are being put in place at the Ogle International Airport and Moleson Creek Crossing, Corentyne Berbice.
Also accompanying the President and Health Minister was Public Works Minister Robeson Benn. He added that the measures, which followed directives from the Head of State and Cabinet, will go along with the countrywide interventions, in respect to public health.
Guyana has begun putting intensive measures in place to deal with any suspected Ebola cases. Persons, travelling from countries with the virus borne disease, have also been barred from travelling to Guyana.
Ebola has infected more than 10,000 people in West African and several other countries, killing about 5,000.
You must be logged in to post a comment.