Africa-Press – Seychelles. First Lady Linda Ramkalawan joined hands with Minister for Health, Peggy Vidot, on Christmas Eve to pay a visit to patients admitted for treatment within various wards of the Seychelles Hospital.
The delegation, comprising Public Health Commissioner Jude Gedeon, chief executive of the Health Care Agency (HCA) Danny Louange, principal secretary for Heath Bernard Valentin and Dr Anne Gabriel among other health officials made sure to call on each patient, where the first Lady and Minister Vidot interacted with them, and presented each with a gift bag.
The visit started off with the fourteen little ones of the Pediatric Ward who were gifted soft toys and sweet treats, before progressing on to the Maternity 1 ward where eight expectant mothers were expecting to deliver their precious little Christmas bundles within hours.
First Lady Ramkalawan and Minister Vidot then moved on to interact with the eighteen mothers who had already delivered their baby boys and girls on Maternity 2, ending the visit with other patients admitted to the D’Offay and Hermitte wards.
The visit now has become a tradition of the health minister, an important gesture to bring some cheer to those who are unfortunately not able to spend Christmas day with family and loved ones.
“It is a way for us to bring a smile to their faces, and to pass on our well-wishes to them. We are happy that the First Lady has been able to join us this year,” Minister Vidot stated.
For this year, the presents and goodies were sponsored by telecommunications company Cable and Wireless Seychelles. Unlike previous pre-Covid years, the delegation were not accompanied by a choir to belt out Christmas carols, but a patient of the North East Point health facility, Keven Rath, was onsite with his guitar providing some entertainment.
First Lady Ramkalawan expressed satisfaction at having been able to join in on the tradition, and to convey her wishes to each patient individually, especially since the ministry and herself were unable to do so for two years, due to the Covid pandemic.
“It s is a great joy for me to be able to visit these patients. The reactions have been positive so far, and the patients have expressed satisfaction over the level of care that they are receiving, so, it is nice to hear positive things,” Mrs Ramkalawan stated.
Heidi Vital of the pediatric ward expressed sheer happiness over her present, and her mum shared similar sentiments.
Similarly, Rohana Adelaide who had just delivered her baby girl shared similar sentiments.
“I think the initiative of the ministry to visit patients who are here on Christmas eve is a great one, especially since we are not with our families. It brings some joy and happiness to our hearts,” Ms Adelaide said.
The hospital wards have been decorated and adorned with lights and tinsels of all colours and sizes in a bid to get both patients and all the staff who are on duty during the festive season in the mood.
In concluding her remarks to the media, Minister Vidot issued a message for all citizens to remain cautious that Covid is still around, and that they continue to observe the precautionary measures such as social distancing, and wearing of masks where such is not possible, among other hygiene measures.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the visit to the various wards.
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