ONCE again a project is being questioned with no attempt to list whatever concerns there are or seek to get answers from the government, instead of speculating and throwing obstacles to its implementation.

It is time for the government to provide the full basis for the building of a Speciality Hospital, its financing, approximate finished cost and its policies regarding potential patients, pricing, and skilled staffing requirements. Such a hospital is best operated as a private hospital not a public one, with its shares owned by government. The operations of this hospital, unlike a public hospital, will be open to all based on ability to pay the required costs. It must be operated at a reasonable profit, with the government as a shareholder getting most of the profits.

To be successful, this hospital will need to attract overseas patients seeking special surgeries at a competitive price and quality compared to other places in the Region.
Guyanese patients can take advantage of these services at the same or a possible discounted price or have their care subsidised by the government from its share of the profits. Neither the quality of care nor its self-sustaining ability can be compromised. Medical tourism is a lucrative business and should be seen as such, with a potential to add dollars to our revenue stream. Both Jamaica, Barbados and others have expressed interest in such a business venture. It is time for critics to stop knocking and start asking valid questions. It is time to measure the potential benefits against the suspected or unproven disadvantages.