–Deputy Speaker tells the opposition, highlights major advancements being made in healthcare sector
CRITICISING what he termed as “familiar rhetoric” from the opposition benches, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, on Thursday firmly stated that Budget 2026 is the continuation of transformation in healthcare, infrastructure development and overall, the improvement of the lives of all Guyanese.
Dr Mahadeo during the fourth day of the 2026 Budget Debate made it clear that while the opposition continues to come to the House, recite the “same script” and oppose everything, this year’s national fiscal plan prioritises the welfare of Guyanese.
He pointed out that some of the opposition parliamentarians were previously part of the APNU+AFC administration, which he said, left a legacy of “deception, mismanagement, broken promises and a major attempt to steal an election.”
While throwing his full support behind this year’s $1.588 trillion budget, Dr. Mahadeo said: “This budget actually does what the government is supposed to do, govern for the people, invest in the people and deliver results for the people.”
Focusing on the healthcare sector, Dr. Mahadeo pointed out that telemedicine sites, a key innovation, have increased in number from 2022 to now, noting that the government will gradually continue establishing more sites in 2026.
The number of telemedicine sites would have increased from four in 2022 to 130 by the end of this month and the figure will go to beyond 150 by the end of the year.
As he emphasised how the government is focusing on improving healthcare access nationwide, especially in the hinterland, the deputy speaker said that last year, 15,000 persons accessed these sites, 6,363 patients used telemedicine and 1,293 video calls were done.
However, Guyana’s healthcare sector’s advancement does not stop at telemedicine, as Dr. Mahadeo shared that drones are being tested to improve services.
“Once again, we’ll be leading the way. We’ll be providing better services. We’ll be providing more timely services. Think about blood and blood products, medicine and critical supplies that can be delivered to remote communities in a timely manner. A world class health care for the whole of Guyana is definitely in the making, and we are well on our way,” he said.
The deputy speaker also highlighted the tremendous strides being made in dental care, especially since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government inherited what he described as “crippled” infrastructure from the APNU+AFC administration.
Further, he said blood banking and collection has been transformed, especially with regards to the number of facilities, which has facilitated more than 100 heart surgeries in 2025, a step from the approximated 20 heart surgeries before 2019.
He also pointed out that several life-saving and critical procedures are now being performed for the first time and some routinely.
The deputy speaker further noted that these transformations are being spearheaded by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, as he even pointed to the international strategic partnerships.
While detailing the other milestones, Dr. Mahadeo responded to the criticisms by the opposition bench and told them: “Do your visits. This is what my colleagues have been advising you. Visit, Come here informed! Come here informed! Do your research! Ask questions, go there!”
