— First of its kind in the Caribbean to boost diagnostics in Region Six
THE Ministry of Health has commissioned a new $148 million Philips CT 5300 128-slice CT Scanner at the New Amsterdam Hospital, marking a major upgrade in diagnostic imaging services across East Berbice-Corentyne.
According to the Ministry, the newly installed system is the first of its kind in the Caribbean, equipped with AI-powered imaging, dual-energy scanning, and specialised cardiac functionality.
These features are expected to significantly enhance the quality and speed of diagnosis, while reducing patient exposure to radiation.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who acknowledged the limitations of the hospital’s previous scanner, a two-slice machine donated by RADAID, which had become non-functional and cost over $15 million in repair efforts.
As a result, some patients had to be referred to private facilities, which strained both public funds and patient access to care.
In his remarks, Dr. Anthony also highlighted broader healthcare upgrades in Region Six over the past four years.
These include the installation of new digital X-ray units and a mammography machine at New Amsterdam Hospital, as well as the upgrading of imaging suites at Port Mourant and Mibicuri Hospitals.
He further referenced the ongoing construction of the new New Amsterdam General Hospital, which will include 220 beds, a second CT scanner, MRI capabilities, a catheterisation laboratory, and advanced intensive care facilities.
On the workforce front, the Health Minister noted the training of 15 emergency physicians in partnership with Northwell Hospital, along with the launch of new collaborations with MedVarsity to offer specialised medicine and nursing courses.
These initiatives, he said, form part of the wider national strategy to ensure a well-equipped and highly skilled healthcare workforce.
The Ministry stated that the new CT system will enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce wait times, and expand access to advanced imaging for residents in Region Six.
The scanner’s advanced features, including Precise Cardiac, Precise Imaging, and Precise Ribs, support a range of clinical applications, such as cardiac care, trauma evaluation, bariatric imaging, and interventional procedures.

Additionally, Cardiac Essentials enables accurate calcium scoring for early detection of coronary artery disease, while Dual-Energy Scanning allows for spectral analysis helping clinicians differentiate between calcium and uric acid in complex diagnostic cases.
The Ministry noted that these investments will lead to better patient outcomes, safer imaging experiences, and greater diagnostic efficiency within the public healthcare system.