Medexes honoured for outstanding contribution

Medexes honoured for outstanding contribution
Guyana Chronicle, 6 November 2007
SOME 28 Medexes from across the country were Saturday last honoured for
their yeoman contribution to the health sector at a special ceremony
convened at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara.


Permanent Secretary within the Health Ministry Hydar Ali, left, Health
Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Former Medex Administrator Melissa
Humphrey and Minister within the Health Ministry Dr Bheri Ramsaran with
some of the awardees. (Photo by Quacy Sampson)
The ceremony concluded the inaugural Medex conference hosted by the
Health Ministry and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) which
started there Friday last to commemorate 30 years of Medex services in
Guyana.


The conference was held under the theme ‘Reflecting on 30 Years of
Experience: guarding the Nation’s Health 24/7.’

Veteran Medex Harrychand Ramu, who hails from Region 3 (Essequibo
Islands/West Demerara), received the trophy for the longest serving
practitioner in the field. His service spanned more than 25 years in
the profession.
Former Medex Administrator Melissa Humphrey and Dr. Frank Williams were
also presented with trophies for their distinguished service.

During the simple presentation ceremony, 17 practitioners with more
than 20 years of service were bestowed with trophies; the remainder
with 15-20 years in the profession received certificates.

Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy delivering the feature address
lauded the Medexes for their outstanding service and pointed out their
contribution is not less important than any other member of the health
team.

“When you look at the needs of the people, it takes a team to deliver
the service, and your skill is very necessary in this regard,” he said.

He exhorted, each Medex to walk with their heads held high for the
invaluable quality health care service they provide to residents in
their communities.

On this note, Dr Ramsammy pointed out that in the 1990s, there were
close to 100,000 recorded malaria cases here. Today he added, this
figure has been drastically reduced and in 2008 his Ministry plans to
ensure there are no more than 12,000 cases.

This achievement, Dr Ramsammy underscored would not have been possible
without the services of the Medexes, especially those in the hinterland
region.

In addition, the Minister said, Guyana has gained international
recognition for its Immunization Programme, noting today some 90% of
the population has been vaccinated.

Again he stressed, this could not have been possible without the
Medexes invaluable input.

He further stressed that Medexes should also become engaged in the
treatment of person with HIV/AIDS since they represent a significant
option in the delivery of health care.

The minister also announced the Ministry’s Medex Training Programme has
been extended and a new batch of high school students will soon
commence training.

“The Ministry of Health sees the enhancement of the Medex Programme as
extremely important, if we are going to achieve our goals,” he
exhorted.

“The Medex Programme is a genuine example of what is referred to
globally as ‘task shifting’, this has been in Guyana for years, we have
pioneered it and are veterans of it,” Dr. Ramsammy declared.