Dear Editor,
THE government, as far as I understand it, dedicated significant time during the 24-month period in office to keeping the nation safe in the peak of COVID-19, which is the worst pandemic the world has seen in over 100 years.
An effective healthcare system is critical for any country because people do get ill, accidents and emergencies do arise and the facilities are needed to diagnose, treat and manage different types of ailments and diseases.
Guyana has had its struggles in healthcare. Nonetheless, for the first time in years, healthcare is finally receiving the attention it deserves.
My own assessment is that we are on a platform that would deliver a modern, functioning healthcare system in the coming years. The preceeding information supports my view.
I recall last month, His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali announced a national healthcare initiative in collaboration with the Mount Sinai Health System, an internationally recognised healthcare provider, and Hess Corporation to improve the quality of and access to healthcare for the people of Guyana.
This is great for citizens, visitors and also healthcare providers such as nurses and doctors.
Government has embarked on constructing a Paediatric and Maternal Hospital that will be fully equipped to provide specialised services to deal with a wide scope of medical interventions for children and pregnant women and for complicated gynaecological conditions.
This hospital is expected to care for children with cardiology, neurology, nephrology, oncology and other major complicated medical conditions.
With this hospital, there ought to be little to no need for children with complicated medical conditions and women with complicated ob/gyn conditions seeking overseas medical care.
Guyanese are also looking forward to the completion of the six new regional hospitals that are to be staffed and equipped to provide all Level Four package of services. These hospitals, from what I have read, will add 450 high-quality beds to Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six with operating theatres, ER, ICU, HDU and NICU services.
These are tremendous upgrades and much needed for our health sector. I am also pleased that the government is pursuing major upgrades at the GPHC, Linden and New Amsterdam hospitals, bringing these in line with the highest standards in CARICOM.
I am also aware that major rehabilitation work has occurred at Leonora, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and Lethem hospitals.
Bartica, West Demerara and Suddie hospitals are to be replaced by new hospitals. Again, this is welcoming news. One only hopes that the government can complete the much-needed new National Psychiatric Hospital during its current term in office.
Some months ago, Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, gave the assurance that international standards are being enforced for the construction of all new hospitals in Guyana. I am pleased about this.
Dr Ramsammy has also given assurance that hospitals will be equipped with elevators, HVAC, hot water, steam etc.
There is consensus that the old hospitals in Guyana do not meet these standards.
Against this backdrop, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony and his team at the ministry must be commended for the achievements made thus far towards improving healthcare delivery in Guyana.
I look forward to the completion of government’s plans. When that day arrives Guyanese would be more confident to undertake surgeries at home, rather than spending untold sums to travel overseas for care and treatment.

Yours truly,
Cindy Bowen