Health Minister highlights collaborative network for improved patient care

DURING a recent visit to the construction site of the new Lima Regional Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, expressed satisfaction with the project’s substantial progress, projecting that the facility will be fully operational by April or May 2025. This timeline will follow the installation of advanced medical equipment that will elevate healthcare standards in the region.

As the first hospital of its kind on the Essequibo Coast, the Lima Regional Hospital will include a CT scanner and a range of other diagnostic tools, which will eliminate the need for residents to travel to Georgetown for specialised services. Highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing regional healthcare, Dr. Anthony stated that the facility will serve as a primary healthcare hub, improving patient access to advanced imaging and other vital services. Additionally, he announced plans for Lima and Georgetown medical institutions to form a collaborative network, allowing coastal physicians to consult with Georgetown specialists on complex cases.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Ranjeev Singh emphasised the government’s commitment to timely delivery, noting that workers have been “working day and night” to meet the completion deadline. Despite setbacks earlier this year, the contractor has assured the ministry of the project’s timely completion. “Minister Anthony’s visit has reinforced the urgency, and we were assured the hospital will be completed as scheduled,” Dr. Singh explained.

Dr. Singh sees the Lima Regional Hospital as a significant addition to healthcare services for Region Two, neighbouring islands like Wakenaam, and residents of nearby regions. He noted that since President Ali took office in 2020, the region has seen “massive transformation” across sectors, especially healthcare, which had stagnated prior to his administration. Dr. Singh stated, “Today we’re witnessing infrastructure upgrades across our healthcare facilities, creating more comfortable, ventilated, and welcoming environments for patients.”

The new hospital, in addition to enhancing regional healthcare, will also create numerous job opportunities within medical and support sectors, bolstering local employment. To further strengthen healthcare in the area, Dr. Singh announced plans for a new nurse training centre, which will support medical staffing needs at hospitals, health centres, and posts across Region Two and nearby areas.

Dr. Singh encouraged students from the region, particularly those in the Cinderella County, known for its educational achievements, to capitalise on expanding opportunities in healthcare. The training centre is expected to accommodate 2,500 medical trainees, supporting both primary and hospital care needs in the region.

Reflecting on improved work conditions for healthcare staff, Dr. Singh highlighted ongoing upgrades to doctors’ living quarters and other facilities, noting, “While everything can’t be fixed at once, we are 100 percent better off compared to previous conditions, and we are grateful to President Ali and his administration for this progress.”

As Region Two anticipates the opening of the new Lima Regional Hospital, healthcare advancements continue to drive forward, paving the way for enhanced service delivery and a healthier future for the community.