THE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), has launched a three-day Workshop on Advancing Primary Health care in Guyana as part of its continued efforts to strengthen the country’s health system at the community level.
The workshop, which opened on Wednesday, brings together regional and national health leaders to build capacity, share knowledge, and develop practical strategies to improve the delivery and quality of primary health care (PHC) services across Guyana.
According to the Ministry, the main objectives of the training include reorienting regional and national health leadership on the new Primary Health care Agenda and developing a Regional Roadmap for the short- to medium-term implementation of PHC initiatives.
Participants are engaging in a series of discussions and technical sessions covering critical topics such as the Integrated Model of Care and Health Service Delivery Network, the Evolution and Features of a Well-Performing PHC System, national PHC monitoring frameworks, and the Primary Health care Delivery Model.
Director of Family and Primary Health care Services, Dr. Ertensia Hamilton, highlighted that Guyana has made notable strides in strengthening primary care delivery over the past five years.
“The fact that we’ve achieved so much is because everyone understood their role and worked collaboratively toward a shared vision,” Dr. Hamilton stated.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to investing in health infrastructure and improving the standard of care. He noted that the Ministry now manages approximately 400 health facilities across the country—ranging from health posts to regional hospitals—many of which have recently undergone extensive upgrades.
“Over the past two years, we have made substantial financial investments to enhance these facilities, upgrading waiting areas, sanitary facilities, and the overall environment to ensure that patients receive care in comfort and dignity,” Minister Anthony said.
“At this point, there should be no health facility facing major infrastructural challenges. Our focus now is on improving accessibility, functionality, and quality across the network.”
While commending the progress achieved so far, Dr. Anthony reminded participants that the ultimate goal is to create a health system that continuously adapts to meet evolving community needs.
PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana, Dr. Eva Dickson, underscored the importance of primary health care as the cornerstone of any resilient national health system.
“Primary Health care is the bedrock of community well-being,” she said. “It ensures that essential services—from maternal and child health to immunisation, chronic disease management, and mental health support—are available and accessible to all.”
The workshop aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision of delivering quality, people-centred, and community-driven health services. It also supports Guyana’s national health goals and the global agenda for Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that every citizen has access to essential health care without financial hardship.