THE Ministry of Health recently hosted a comprehensive training closing session to mark the ending of a three-year International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mammography Project, an initiative designed to reduce the burden of breast cancer across Guyana.

The event brought together radiologists, surgeons, physicians, medical imaging technologists, x-ray technicians, regional health officers, medical superintendents and chief executive officers from a number of hospitals countrywide. These include Lethem, Suddie on the Essequibo Coast, Linden, and the host site, New Amsterdam Hospital in Berbice, which is the only facility equipped with tomosynthesis.

Staff from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the national referral centre, also participated to ensure that radiologists, referring physicians and mammography technologists across all major sites are fully trained to utilise mammography and tomosynthesis to improve early detection and reduce breast cancer prevalence.

The closing exercise provided detailed orientation in the use of mammography and tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. It represented the culmination of a multi-phase journey that began with the establishment of Guyana’s Radiation Safety and Security Act of 2023, an eight-year effort that laid the regulatory foundation for national radiation safety.

Following installation, one-week applications training was conducted by German technology equipment manufacturer, the Siemens, at each site, with both Allied Health and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits awarded. A recent Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) evaluation was completed to support integration with the national project, enabling remote radiologist access and strengthening national diagnostic connectivity.

Coordinator for Cancer Care, Dr Haaniques Greaves, highlighted the significance of Guyana’s achievements in strengthening radiation safety and diagnostic capacity.

“Guyana is now the only country in the Caribbean to install four mammography units under a single project at the same time, and the only country in the region with comprehensive radiation legislation that allows all regulatory entities to maintain their authority, while adding an oversight structure through the Radiation Board,” said Dr Greaves.

“This model is now being referenced by Belize, Grenada, Trinidad and Barbados, as they work to develop their own regulatory frameworks,” she added.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr Bob Ramnauth, emphasised the systematic approach taken to advance radiology services nationwide.

“We recognised that improving healthcare, especially in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), required a structured, not haphazard, approach. We focused on upgrading infrastructure, equipment, personnel and training, and this is the phase we are now consolidating,” explained Dr Ramnauth.

He said the next step will be improving efficiency and establishing a strengthened code of conduct.

“To appreciate our progress, consider this: so far this year, the New Amsterdam Hospital has completed over 20,000 x-rays. We have transitioned from an old analog system to a new digital X-ray platform, which has also been expanded to other regions,” said Dr Ramnauth.

Together, these advancements mark a transformative step forward for breast cancer screening in Guyana. The IAEA Mammography Project has not only expanded access to high-quality imaging services, but also strengthened the national regulatory framework, enhanced workforce capacity, and improved diagnostic connectivity across regions.

With the project now formally closed, the Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these gains and continuing to strengthen early detection, diagnosis and cancer care for all Guyanese. (MoH)