By Faith Greene
AS part of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to enhance its healthcare system, the European Union (EU) on Monday launched a high-level Health and Pharmaceutical Investment Mission at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

The three-day event, which runs until Wednesday, aims to connect EU pharmaceutical and healthcare companies with local partners to explore investment and collaboration opportunities.
Funded by the EU, it partners with Guyana’s private sector; the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); the Guyana Office for Investment; the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association and the

Ministry of Health. Around 10 companies from several EU countries are part of this venture, including: Spain, Austria, France, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Sweden, Italy and Ireland.
In his feature address, the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, said this mission has been a work in progress. Reflecting, Minister Anthony said work commenced just after COVID-19, when it was difficult for countries around the world to access medical supplies, medication and vaccines.

He stated that with the lockdown came the challenge of the disruption of supply chains, moving resources from one country to another.
“So we learned from that experience and out of COVID, one of the things that there were lots of discussions about, was how do you relocate the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in countries or closer regions where they need it,” he said.

Dr Anthony further mentioned the EU’s decision to set aside resources to bring companies to Guyana and Barbados to see what opportunities are available in these two countries to boost the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and strengthen health systems within the Caribbean region. Both Guyana and Barbados are leading in this innovative initiative.
Additionally, he mentioned the Pharmaceutical Equity for Global Public Health initiative, which was launched in 2022 by Guyana, Barbados, and Rwanda, with the aim to ensure equitable access to medicines and vaccines by strengthening local production and reducing dependence on external supply chains.

Furthermore, in February this year, a joint declaration was signed by the Governments of Guyana, Barbados and Lithuania to co-operate in bringing drug regulators in the Caribbean to World Health Organisation (WHO) Level Three maturity.

The minister affirmed, “So we’ve laid the overall framework and the political will to get this done is at the highest level. His Excellency, the president, has been leading on this and he’s been championing this because we recognise the challenges that we’ve been through during COVID. That is why we really would like to see a pharmaceutical sector being developed in the Caribbean, but more particularly in Guyana.”
Ambassador of the European Union in Guyana, Rene Van Nes, in his opening remarks told participants that over the three days, they will hear about the incredible opportunities for investment in Guyana, as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

The EU Ambassador posited that under the leadership of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, and with the drive of the Minister of Health, and his team to promote investments in the health sector with the construction of several hospitals, Guyana is truly positioning itself for a future where it meets healthcare needs of its people, as well as the needs of the wider region.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony of the mission, the chairman of the EU (Guyana) Chamber of Commerce, Alista Bishop, remarked that Guyana, with its ramping economic transformation, growing population and ambitious development agenda, presents a unique and timely opportunity for strategic investment and partnerships in the vibrant health sector.

The mission is a symbol of important investments, signalling deepening trust, shared goals and a vision for a healthier future for all Guyanese. Furthermore, she said it brings together Europe’s excellence, and Guyana’s potential.
“We welcome this focus on health and pharma because it aligns with Guinea’s evolving healthcare landscape. Our national development priority and the EU’s global commitment to sustainable development are well-being,” the chairman said.