Exercise Tradewinds 2023 kicked off in Region Six – East Bedbice Corentyne earlier today with a medical outreach to provide health services to residents across the region.
The Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony who was present during the opening of the event, told the media that the ministry is pleased to participate in such exercise as it is geared at providing outpatient services to members of the public, specifically in the Skeldon and surrounding community.
Exercise Tradewinds will be held in Guyana over the next two weeks and is aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation among troops across the Caribbean and further afield. The medical outreach is just one aspect of its humanitarian initiative.
Among the services that will be offered in the coming days until next week Friday include clinical reviews, laboratory testing, vaccination, eye care and skin care treatment among others.
The Health Minister noted that the outreach is currently being housed in the “field hospital” which was donated to Guyana by the Government of Qatar.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony
“I think what the exercise is doing is showing our capability and how to mobilize that capability as quickly as possible so in case there is any disaster this same team that has been collaborating doctors and other medical personnel can come together and offer assistance very quickly.” Dr. Anthony added.
Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Nigel Langhorne MD noted that the force in collaboration with the Ministry of Health officials are able to offer any services at the location with the exception of surgeries.
Lt. Col, Dr. Nigel Langhorne, MD
“In general the field hospital we would have assembled put together all of the services available here inclusive of the tentage and so on now as it relates to actual service we are capable of running anything from here at the moment less surgeries, clinics in general, eye clinic.”
Meanwhile, 68 persons are part of the exercise playing different roles and responsibilities to test the efficacy of the national oil spill contingency plan.
