Problems faced by the Public Health Systems of Hinterland Communities in Guyana and How We Can Help Solve Them.

Public Health has many factors, it is through identifying these factors and determining whether they are being effectively applied to a nation and its people that we may understand the shortcomings or challenges in the public health system. Some factors that influence persons accessing public health care services include access to these services, persons having sufficient knowledge on when to seek care, persons wanting to seek medical attention etc.

Access to proper medical attention is a crucial part of the public health system, without persons being able to readily access medical care then it becomes difficult for these persons to seek help and receive the care they need. Often, areas that are rural or within the interior of a nation, access to sufficient medical care is lacking. Persons that need proper medical attention for illnesses or injuries that cannot be treated at home will have to suffer long journeys to distant hospitals or medical centres outside of their communities. Potentially worsening the condition of the person due to these great distances they are required to travel.

Access to proper medical care in these areas is often not an option either due to insufficient medical supplies or equipment being present at the local care centre in this persons community or due to under-staffing at these centres meaning that specialised care is not an option. Persons living in these communities thus have no choice other than to leave their homes and seek out aid in other areas. Solving this problem requires tackling several of the issues being faced by these communities, such as transportation, supply of medical equipment and supplies as well as educating the public on when to seek medical attention.

Transportation to areas outside of the community that have access to proper medical care is typically time consuming or expensive. Transport to these medical centres should be provided especially as time is crucial when suffering from an illness or when an injury is sustained. Thus, these areas should be provided with some sort of readily available transportation to nearby medical centres and regional hospitals. Supply of medical equipment and supplies such as medicine, gauze etc. should also be adequately provided and stored so that patients can be properly stabilised and given first aid care before being moved to a larger facility. Finally, it is important that we educate the public on health issues and when to seek treatment for an injury or illness. Educating the public goes a long way in preventing deaths and allowing the public health care system to efficiently serve its role and purpose in society.

To conclude, it is crucial that rural communities and the government cooperate to provide a better standard of care for their inhabitants. The government must provide the means for effective care and leaders within these communities utilising and educating their community members to provide effective care for all living in these regions.