–New health centre, staff quarters to improve services for 500 residents in Region Two
THE Government has commissioned a new $30 million health centre and completed a $30 million staff living quarters at Red Hill, Manawarin, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), as part of a $60 million investment aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in the indigenous riverine community.
The new facilities are expected to improve access to quality healthcare for approximately 500 residents of Manawarin and neighbouring communities, while providing accommodation to support the retention and wellbeing of healthcare workers serving the area.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, commissioned the facilities during a recent visit and said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to expanding modern, accessible healthcare services to rural and hinterland communities.
“The GY$60 million investment in the Manawarin Health Centre and staff living quarters reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across Guyana and ensuring that residents of riverine communities have access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services,” Dr Anthony said in a statement.
Designed to withstand seasonal flooding because of its proximity to the river, the new health centre has been elevated to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services throughout the year.
The facility includes a spacious waiting area, separate male and female washroom facilities, a fully equipped examination room, an observation bed for short-term patient monitoring, a kitchenette for staff and vaccine storage to support immunisation services.
A key feature of the centre is its telemedicine system, which connects healthcare workers in Manawarin with doctors and specialists at regional hospitals and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
The system is equipped with devices to monitor patients’ blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation and other vital signs, allowing real-time consultations with medical specialists.
Residents will also benefit from a fully stocked pharmacy providing essential medicines for common illnesses and the ongoing treatment of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
The facility also includes a dedicated Maternal and Child Health Room equipped with infant weighing scales and a length board to support routine growth monitoring and improve maternal and child healthcare services.
The newly completed staff living quarters will provide safe and comfortable accommodation for healthcare personnel, supporting the Ministry’s efforts to attract and retain medical staff in remote communities while ensuring continuous delivery of healthcare services.
To further enhance healthcare access, the Ministry of Health plans to construct a jetty and boathouse at the facility. The health centre will also receive a boat and outboard engine to enable healthcare workers to conduct home visits and extend outreach services to neighbouring riverine communities.
According to the Ministry of Health, the investment forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to modernise Guyana’s healthcare system by expanding infrastructure and ensuring that quality medical services are available to citizens regardless of where they live.
