THE government’s aim of attaining quality healthcare is acknowledged by all, particularly private sector investors. Consequently, Phoenix Clinicare is endeavouring to establish a medical centre worth $80M in Corriverton, Berbice.

According to a project summary published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Phoenix Clinicare is a medical center with a pharmacy, a doctor’s clinic, an X-ray department, and laboratory services, complemented with a small café.

The document stated that construction would take approximately 12 months.

Phoenix Clinicare also gave an insight into the building design. The ground floor will possess a pharmacy, examination room, café, and X-ray room, which will consist of a digital X-ray. The room will be constructed with six-inch solid cast concrete walls lined with gypsum lead sheets. The second floor will have six doctors’ offices; while the third floor will be living quarters.

Furthermore, through a screening, the EPA concluded that there are no identifiable significant environmental impacts likely to be generated from this project considering the location, scale, and duration of the operation.

“Therefore, no further environmental studies such as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Environmental Management Plan (EMP) are required. The implementation of the best applicable environmental management practices will be required. These will become enforceable upon the issuance of an Environmental Authorisation for the project,” the EPA said.

Additionally, they recommended that this project be published to provide the opportunity to persons who may be affected by the proposed project to appeal against the agency’s decision within 30 days of the said publication.

Just a few months ago, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasised that while critical investments are being made to transform public infrastructure in order to improve Guyana’s healthcare delivery, private sector collaborations will position the country to achieve a holistic healthcare system.

He said: “To do this, it requires the integration of all our healthcare services. It requires the public sector and the private sector to work in a seamless way to facilitate each other’s development and to ensure at the end of the day, quality of care and quality of service matters the most.”

While lauding the investors, the President urged them to pursue further investments in other areas within Guyana’s health sector.

“I do not see the investment in healthcare by all the stakeholders in Guyana as competition, I see it as part of a holistic infrastructure that supports the vision of the country and that vision is to build a healthcare system that is second to none,” Dr. Ali said.

The government has embarked on a programme to examine the economy and competitiveness within the country’s healthcare sector.

According to the president, the programme will also examine the special services offered to the populace, such as testing, diagnostics, treatment and services that are outsourced.

However, Dr. Ali reiterated that private sector investments will play a key role in the country’s achievement of its targets to improve healthcare locally.