Doctors, counsellors and social workers fanned out across three regions on Sunday in a sweeping effort to treat survivors and comfort families still waiting for word on missing loved ones from the MV Barima disaster.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said all 67 rescued passengers received immediate medical attention as the government mounted an extensive medical and psychosocial response across Regions One, Two and Georgetown.

Anthony said 50 survivors were taken to Charity Hospital, where medical teams identified at least four persons needing further care, who were then transferred to Lima Regional Hospital.

He said an additional 17 survivors who arrived by smaller rescue boats via the Essequibo River were also assessed at Lima Regional Hospital, with about two requiring further treatment.

By Sunday evening, only three patients remained under observation, Anthony said, adding that they were expected to be discharged the following day.

He said the ministry deployed about 15 doctors to Charity Hospital, including a specialist team from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation's Accident and Emergency Department, while close to 40 medical personnel were placed on standby at Lima Regional Hospital.

Anthony said survivors were briefed on the ongoing rescue efforts and assisted with transport to continue their journeys, with some choosing to go to Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and surrounding villages, and others returning to Georgetown. He said accommodation and meals were arranged for relatives who chose to remain in Essequibo while awaiting updates on missing loved ones.

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud said her ministry deployed social workers, psychologists and child protection officers to Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and Charity Hospital to provide emotional and psychological support to families.

She said similar teams were sent to Charity Hospital in Region Two, offering trauma-focused and grief counselling to survivors upon arrival.

Persaud said ministry officials remained with survivors and relatives throughout the day and into the evening, and would continue providing psychosocial support for as long as necessary.