Dear Editor,
IN recent weeks, several letters have expressed concern about whether the economic benefits of Guyana’s new-found wealth are reaching ordinary households.
One area showing clear improvement is the healthcare sector. Thanks to increased resources, we are witnessing greater access to healthcare for all Guyanese.

This focus is a priority for the Government of Guyana and President Ali, who stated, “We are not building hospitals alone; we are building systems of care rooted in dignity, access, and equity for every Guyanese.” A critical indicator of Guyana’s economic and social progress is how effectively it delivers healthcare services to all citizens.
In economics. access to healthcare is a multifaceted issue that encompasses economic, social, and structural elements. Improving access requires targetted policies that address these diverse challenges, ensuring that all

individuals can obtain the healthcare they need. We see that the current government is laser focused on this.
From 2015 to 2020, the APNU+AFC administration allocated an average of over G$25 billion annually to healthcare.
In contrast, the current government allocated some G$41.7 billion in 2024. However, outcomes during the previous administration were troubling, with maternal mortality rates increasing, life-saving medications often unavailable, and trained professionals left the public system at alarming rates. Major projects, such as the Specialty Hospital, were postponed, and promised upgrades to regional facilities never materialised, leaving rural and hinterland communities continually neglected.

Despite multiple assurances, service delivery was inadequate, leading to poorer health outcomes, and lengthy waits for essential care across the country.
Under President Ali’s leadership, healthcare investment has shifted dramatically, prioritising the well-being of the people in national development.

His vision goes beyond merely expanding services; it aims to fundamentally reshape healthcare delivery. As he asserts, “Together, we are not just improving healthcare; we are redefining it.” This philosophy drives significant reforms designed to ensure that every Guyanese, regardless of location, can access timely, high-quality care without financial burden.

Since taking office in 2020, the PPP/C government has launched an ambitious campaign to build or renovate 12 state-of-the-art regional hospitals by 2028. Six of these hospitals are scheduled to be opened in 2025, located in Anna Regina, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath, and No. 75. These facilities will provide 24-hour emergency services, modern laboratories, advanced imaging suites, and fully-equipped operating theaters.
A flagship project within this initiative is the Paediatric and Maternal Hospital under construction at Goedverwagting on the East Coast of Demerara. The aim of this G$31.9 billion investment is to enhance healthcare outcomes for women and children, featuring a 256-bed, Level-Five facility designed for high-risk mothers and newborns.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony emphasised that the hospital will be equipped with “the most modern equipment to match the expected level of care”. This innovative approach has garnered interest from Trinidad and Tobago, which is considering a similar model for its maternal health initiatives. More than just infrastructure, this project aims to deliver essential care where it is most needed, safeguarding future generations’ health.
Additionally, Guyana has embraced digital innovations in healthcare. In partnership with Northwell Health and Mount Sinai, 84 telemedicine hubs have been established nationwide, delivering real-time specialist care to remote areas.

Equipped with modern diagnostic tools and staffed by trained professionals, these hubs have significantly improved healthcare accessibility. Previously, residents of rural areas often traveled hours for simple check-ups; now, care is closer to home.
Moreover, Guyanese can access care more quickly and efficiently. Diagnostic turnaround times at Georgetown Public Hospital have decreased from three months to just a few days. Thousands of patients have received cataract surgeries and free eyeglasses.

Over 900 nursing assistants have graduated from new training programs, while elderly citizens benefit from improved home care services and expanded geriatric units, allowing them to live with dignity and comfort.
The Ministry of Health has also launched cancer screening campaigns and significantly boosted immunization coverage.

Today, our healthcare system is evolving from a struggling model plagued by shortages and inefficiencies into a robust component of a global network of medical excellence, supported by partnerships, upgraded facilities, trained personnel, and digital systems. Dr. Frank Anthony has brought valuable expertise to the health ministry, overseeing regional reform efforts and national programs with professionalism and strategic insight.
In stark contrast, during the APNU+AFC government, Health Minister Volda Lawrence, an accountant with no formal training in medicine or public health, raised serious concerns about her ability to manage a complex healthcare system. Under her tenure, healthcare delivery, especially for hinterland residents, significantly regressed.

The PPP/C government is committed to positioning Guyana as a world-class healthcare destination by 2030, and they are making substantial progress toward this goal. Guyanese are benefitting from an improving healthcare system characterized by enhanced access and quality of care.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tilokie Arnold Depoo
Economist