President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has called on health officials to improve their attitudes across the healthcare sector, stating that a world-class health system depends as much on the treatment patients receive from staff as on the quality of clinical care provided.
Addressing regional health officers, hospital administrators, and senior health officials on Monday at State House in Georgetown, the president said that quality healthcare must extend well beyond medical services to encompass patient management and the condition of every facility.
Against this backdrop, he called for a culture that is service-oriented and people-oriented at every level.
He placed responsibility for the full patient experience squarely on facility leadership.
The washrooms, waiting areas, the way security handles people and the conduct of front-desk staff all fall under the administrators and regional health officers, he said, adding that they are designed around patient comfort, safety and experience.
On the other hand, the president said a full assessment of all health facilities has been completed. He has tasked Presidential Advisor on Science and Healthcare Modernisation, Dr Mahendra Carpen, to work with Director General, Vishwa Mahadeo, and the Director of Regional Health Services to bring every facility up to an operational standard.
That includes proper walkways, proper waiting areas with seating and proper walk-through facilities, measured against a checklist.
He also pointed to mechanisms that allow patients to raise concerns directly, noting that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has implemented a phone number through which patients can text their concerns or issues for follow-up.
The president was accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony and the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.