IT is commendable what the Ministry of Health has achieved since our new Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has taken up office.

Although persons may seek to 'downplay' the good image and achievements of the Ministry, the truth cannot be hidden.

Just recently the Minister visited East Berbice to turn the sod for the construction of a new Health Centre, which is scheduled to be opened some time in March 2002. It is expected to benefit some 15,000 residents of the area. This project will also drastically reduce the workload of the staff of the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Then there is the introduction of facilities for the disabled in all of the newly constructed health services across the country. Further, it is expected that the remaining public health facilities will provide this service. And just recently the Minister has embarked upon sensitising the public about constructing buildings equipped with these services. The most recent example is the Sharon's Building in Charlotte Street.

The renovation of the hazardous cabinet room at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation is extremely important especially when the threat of biological and chemical warfare is prevalent in our world today. This will allow for the testing of harmful substances but at the same time ensure protection for the general hospital population.

And most recently the successful passing of the Bill in Parliament, which will see elections for a medical council in Guyana. This council was dormant for quite a while and will now be active shortly.

These are just a few of the achievements of our new Minister since he came into office.
N. Smith.