17/02/2026
𝐃𝐫. 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧
Today, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health, conducted an official visit to Upper Demerara Hospital, Linden Hospital Complex, and the Charles Roza School of Nursing as part of ongoing engagements to assess healthcare delivery and institutional development within the region.
At Upper Demerara Hospital, Dr. Mahadeo completed a walk-through of the X-Ray Department, where he was briefed on the ultrasound services currently being offered. During the visit, he interacted with patients awaiting radiology services, gaining first-hand insight into service delivery and patient experiences.
He also met with nurses within the Emergency Department, where he shared upcoming plans for the facility and encouraged staff to continue their dedicated service and high standard of care.
Further discussions were held with Heads of Departments from Pharmacy, Laboratory, X-Ray, Chest Clinic, and Social Work, focusing on the strategic direction and future development of the hospital. Dr. Mahadeo noted that compared to his previous visit in 2021, the hospital has undergone a complete transformation.
Additionally, he was updated on the drug availability status at the Pharmacy, which currently stands at 99% stocked, with the remaining 1% being a single non-essential medication.
The visit underscores the Ministry’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and supporting frontline workers across Region 10.
Continuing his official visit, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo engaged extensively with services at the Linden Hospital, with particular attention to the X-Ray Department and the ultrasound service. Reports highlighted that approximately 1,000 ultrasounds were conducted within the last year, with daily patient volumes ranging between 40–80 persons, inclusive of both in-patients and walk-in clients. It was further noted that over the past five years, the hospital has consistently maintained ultrasound services without interruption.
The facility currently houses four ultrasound machines, three stationed within the department and one strategically placed in the Accident & Emergency Unit to support critical and emergency diagnostics.
Dr. Mahadeo also visited the Mammography Unit, where he received a brief on the machine’s performance since its commissioning in February 2025. To date, 100 screening mammograms were completed, of which 20 cases revealed traces of breast cancer. These patients were able to access timely treatment due to early detection; a milestone achievement for the facility’s diagnostic and preventive healthcare services.
During his engagement, Dr. Mahadeo emphasized that it is a disservice to the dedicated nurses, technicians, and doctors when claims are made that services are unavailable, noting that healthcare professionals report to duty daily to ensure patients receive the care they need.
The visit reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing diagnostic capacity and recognizing the unwavering efforts of healthcare workers across the region.
The final leg of today’s visit by Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health, was to the Charles Roza School of Nursing.
During this engagement, Dr. Mahadeo held discussions with Principal Tutor, Mrs. Sabina Gullin, where he was briefed on the current operations and training programmes being delivered at the institution. It was highlighted that approximately 200 students are presently in training through both online and in-person modalities.
The school continues to offer key programmes including Single-Trained Midwifery, Registered Nursing, and Registered Nursing Assistant training, all critical to strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce.
Dr. Mahadeo also enquired whether the school had ever been closed. Mrs. Gullin confirmed that the institution has remained continuously operational, demonstrating its sustained commitment to nursing education and professional development.
The visit concluded with commendations for the school’s resilience and its vital role in preparing competent healthcare professionals to serve the nation.
