100 women screened since mammogram machine commissioned at Linden Hospital in Feb. 2025; 20 positive cases detected

A total of 100 women have been screened for breast cancer since the mammogram machine was commissioned at the Linden Hospital Complex, Region Ten, in February 2025.

This was revealed on Tuesday during a visit to the facility by Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health.

Dr Mahadeo was informed that of the women screened, 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.

The Ministry of Health has significantly expanded breast cancer screening by commissioning modern mammogram machines at several regional hospitals.

Other locations now equipped with these machines include the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital in Region Six, the Suddie Hospital in Region Two and the Lethem Hospital in Region Nine.

These installations reduce the need for residents to travel to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), which was previously the only public facility providing these services. The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to improve early detection, reduce breast cancer mortality, and enhance cancer care accessibility.

Meanwhile, during his visit to the Linden Hospital, Dr Mahadeo also conducted a walk-through of the X-Ray Department, where he was briefed on the ultrasound services currently being offered.

He was informed 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.

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.

During his engagement with staff at the facility, Dr. Mahadeo emphasised 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.

Whilst in the region, Dr Mahadeo also visited 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.