THE government of Guyana has distributed 84 cheques worth $600,000 each to hemodialysis patients in an effort to help cover the cost of their medical care. While dialysis is free in the public sector, the government acknowledges that not all Guyanese have access to it, and the private sector is being asked to help in providing the free service.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, said, “while the public sector is offering dialysis for free, they are still unable to offer it to every Guyanese as they would like to. So, I am asking the private sector to provide dialysis so that no Guyanese is left out.”

He continued: “We started this programme last year, where we are giving every dialysis patient an annual grant of $600,000……”

According to Dr. Ramsammy, in 2022, there were approximately 300 people who requested the grant and received it.
He also noted that they anticipated there would be between 300 and 350 people this year.
Last year, it was in excess of $200M, and according to Budget 2023, $863 million was allocated to support those in need of medical treatment.

The former Minister of Health also noted that they believe it is very costly for families, and the government wants to ensure that the cost does not prevent persons from accessing dialysis treatment.

“It’s a lifesaving intervention, and therefore we are giving people a chance to live, and now that our transplant programme is growing, we might be able to give people a new lease on life through a transplant. Because it is an inconvenient and difficult health condition to live with for the rest of one’s life, our goal is to expand the transplant programme so that one day our people will not have to depend on dialysis in order to live productive lives,” said the former health minister.

Dr. Ramsammy further stated that this initiative is in keeping with the government’s “pursuit of equity” and ensuring that equitable health care is available to all citizens of Guyana.

He also stated that the government will ensure that a lifesaving intervention such as dialysis is available to the wealthy and every Guyanese citizen who requires it, “regardless of where they are from or where they live.”

The plan, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, is intended to provide financial assistance to people with kidney failure who need dialysis, a crucial treatment for the management of their condition.

“Last year, we introduced a programme where persons who are affected by kidney failure and have end-stage kidney disease receive an annual subsidy of $600,000, ” he said, noting that over $50M was paid out this year to benefit 84 patients.

Last year, some 327 patients benefitted from the annual $600,000 payout.

Persons requiring dialysis support can contact the Ministry’s Medical Treatment Department at (225 0113) for more information on how they can receive financial assistance.