to boost healthcare standards, improve patient experience

SUDDIE Public Hospital on the Essequibo Coast is undergoing over $40 million in renovations aimed at upgrading its wards and washrooms to better accommodate patients, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, announced.
The renovations align with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s directive to ensure all healthcare facilities provide comfort for patients and visitors alike.
In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Singh emphasised the importance of patient comfort in the healthcare sector. “The money being spent on this hospital right now is to enhance the wards with air conditioning and better washroom facilities,” he said. “For the first time, we are

installing a washroom that caters to persons in wheelchairs. All these measures are to ensure that the patients are more comfortable.”
Dr. Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a safe and pleasant environment for patients, regardless of the region or health facility. “Whether it is a waiting area for them and their families or a ward for the patients, the government is ensuring that their time spent at the facility must be a pleasant one,” he added.

Since taking over from the previous administration, Suddie Hospital has seen significant improvements. Dr. Singh noted, “We are not perfect here at the hospital; there is a lot more to be done in terms of development, but Suddie Hospital has come a long way considering the state of what we inherited from the opposition. As a government and as the RHO of Region Two, we are working tirelessly to continue upgrading and enhancing the health sector so that the people can benefit.”
Significant advancements have been made in the hospital’s maternity ward, now equipped with new birthing chairs and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature babies. The NICU, praised by Minister of Health Frank Anthony during his visit earlier this year, has expanded from three to ten beds and includes state-of-the-art equipment such as backup oxygen lines, neonatal and paediatric ventilators, incubators, radiant warmers, and infusion pumps.
Minister Anthony emphasised the critical role of infection control in the NICU to prevent cross-contamination of vulnerable infants. “One of the things we want to ensure is good infection control. Everything you do in this space, you have to wash your hands properly; you have to make sure you’re sanitised because the babies that would be in here would be very vulnerable,” he said.

Dr. Singh also highlighted the 24-hour pharmacy and laboratory services at Suddie Public Hospital, which provide around-the-clock access for patients. “This hospital is one of the few hospitals in Guyana that provides a 24-hour service to their patients. With this service, our patients are being attended to around the clock, which not only benefits them but also puts their minds and pains at ease in most cases,” he said.
The ongoing renovations and improvements at Suddie Public Hospital reflect the government’s dedication to ensuring high-quality healthcare for all Guyanese. The enhancements, particularly in the NICU, are expected to save numerous premature infants and improve overall care for the children of Region Two. As the hospital continues to evolve, these upgrades underscore a broader commitment to health sector development and patient well-being across the nation.