China setting up trauma centre in Guyana

Last Updated on Thursday, 29 October 2015, 20:28 by GxMedia

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Thursday received a total of GUY$80M worth of equipment from the People’s Republic of China, for the setting up of a trauma center at the facility.

Anesthesia machines are among the items which were handed over, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA).

The signing of the documents for the collaborative venture at the GPHC’s Resource Centre was done by the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Zhang Limin, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge.

Delivering brief remarks at the handing over ceremony, Minister Cummings expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government for its support, which she said is very timely.

She added that the Government’s aim is to move the country forward, and one of the main sectors which will be completely reformed is health. 

The Minister spoke of the long and fruitful bilateral relationship between the two countries, and pointed out that China has partnered with Guyana in many areas for development.

Ambassador Limin also echoed Minister Cummings’ sentiments, stating that the two countries have shared a long and prosperous relationship, and pledged that they will continue to do so.

Minister Greenidge also expressed gratitude to the Chinese Government and delegation for the initiative.

After the official handing over ceremony, Minister Cummings, along with the Ambassador unveiled the plaque for the center.

In physical medicine, major trauma is an injury or damage to a biological organism caused by physical harm from an external source. Major trauma is also an injury that can potentially lead to serious long-term outcomes like chronic pain.

In psychology, psychological trauma is a type of damage to the psyche that occurs as a result of a severely distressing event while in sociology, sociological trauma is a type of damage to the social life of an individual as a result of stigma.

In 1972, Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognise the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and after more than 42 years of friendship and cooperation, the bilateral relationship shared between these two countries continues to flourish.

In 1966, when Guyana gained Independence, steps were taken to promote ties between the two nations. In 1972, when the United States, at the United Nations, was leading global efforts to resist recognition of the Chinese people, Guyana risked itself as the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognise and support the Chinese, and thus established formal diplomatic relations with them.

The relationship between the two countries has been steadily heightening. Guyana has thus far benefited from several areas of assistance from the Chinese-investments, infrastructure, health, river transport and security among many others.