RESIDENTS of Sub-district Two, Region 10, can soon expect expanded healthcare services at the Kwakwani District Hospital, including the introduction of surgical procedures, as the facility continues to benefit from significant upgrades in infrastructure, equipment, and staffing.
The developments were discussed during the 2025 Regional Health Review and Leadership Meeting which was led by Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo and Director of Regional Health Services, Dr Cerdel McWatt where the health sector performance for the year 2025 was scrutinised, challenges identified and solutions were sought to move forward and improve patient care and services.
Medical Officer-in-Charge of the Kwakwani Hospital, Dr Jawaine Thomas,H outlined some major improvements aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery for the more than 10,000 residents served by the hospital.
According to Dr Thomas, a key milestone is the ongoing completion of the hospital’s operating theatre.
“Our major priority is to have the operating theatre up and operational by the end of April 2026, thus allowing surgeries to be done right here at Kwakwani,” Dr Thomas explained.
Once operational, the hospital will be able to perform several procedures locally, including minor surgeries such as treatment for lumps, hernias, cysts and fractures, as well as caesarean sections for pregnant mothers. This will significantly reduce the need for patients to travel to other regions to access surgical care.
The hospital has already expanded several services and facilities to improve the quality and efficiency of care. The emergency unit has been extended and outfitted with modern equipment, including patient monitors, a defibrillator, ECG machine and crash carts, strengthening the hospital’s ability to respond to urgent medical situations.
“Residents should know that our pharmacy is working 24 hours daily, including weekends and holidays, improving access to medication and allowing patients to start treatment early,” Dr Thomas noted.
Several departments have also received new technology and equipment to improve diagnosis and treatment. The hospital’s X-ray department now operates with a digital backpack X-ray machine, significantly improving the speed and quality of imaging services. Laboratory services have also been expanded with the addition of HbA1c testing, which assists in the early diagnosis and management of diabetes.
Improvements have also been made to maternal and child health services, with the maternity unit receiving new delivery beds, infant warmers and phototherapy machines, along with a portable ultrasound machine to support patient care.
A rehabilitation programme has also been introduced, allowing patients to access physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and home visits for bedridden patients. These services are already supporting stroke patients, amputees, elderly individuals experiencing chronic pain, and children with speech impairments.
Dental services have also been upgraded with a new dental chair unit, and residents can access procedures such as cleaning and fillings, with dental X-ray services expected to be introduced soon.
Currently, the hospital provides a wide range of services including general medicine, gynaecology, laboratory testing, X-ray, pharmacy, ultrasound, rehabilitation, dental care, maternal and child health services, emergency care, and tuberculosis treatment through the DOTS programme.
Additional trained personnel have also been added to strengthen service delivery, including three rehabilitation assistants, one X-ray technician, three pharmacy assistants, and two medical laboratory technicians.
Dr Thomas emphasized that these developments are already improving patient care for residents.
“Timely and improved quality of X-rays will support better diagnosis and patient care, while rehabilitation services are helping our amputees, stroke patients, children with speech impairments, athletes, and elderly patients access therapy that aids recovery and improves their quality of life,” he explained.
Plans are also underway to further expand services to surrounding communities, including monthly medical outreaches to Ituni and Hururu, offering services such as dental care, antenatal screening, laboratory testing, and rehabilitation assessments.
These developments form part of the Government’s wider effort to strengthen healthcare systems across Guyana.
The initiatives align with President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision of ensuring world-class healthcare is accessible to every Guyanese, regardless of where they live.
With the continued expansion of services, infrastructure and staff capacity, the Kwakwani District Hospital is positioning itself as a vital healthcare hub for communities across Subdistrict Two, bringing more specialised services closer to residents and improving overall access to quality healthcare.
