ACCESS to healthcare in hinterland and riverine communities will continue to improve as the government expands its frontline workforce, adding 18 new medexes this year, while another 33 individuals are currently in training.

Ministry of Health’s Director General, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, said, on Thursday, that hinterland communities have recorded significant improvements in healthcare delivery, with more health facilities, trained personnel and expanded access to specialised services.

The director general was at the time addressing several toshaos gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) for Day Four of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.

Since 2020, health facilities have increased in several hinterland regions, with Region One moving from 47 to 60 facilities, Region Seven from 29 to 30, Region Eight from 24 to 27 and Region Nine from 56 to 62.

Dr Mahadeo highlighted the expansion of telemedicine services, which currently has 130 sites.

It is expected, he explained, to reach 200 by year-end, allowing residents in remote areas to access doctors without travelling long distances.

He spoke about the Kato Regional Hospital, which is expected to be commissioned later in 2026 or early 2027.

The medical facility will offer services including CT scans, ultrasound, emergency care, surgical theatres, specialist services and modern laboratory testing.

“Everything that you are getting in hospitals on the coast, you will have it there,” Dr Mahadeo said.

The hospital is expected to reduce the need for residents to travel to Georgetown or overseas for advanced medical treatment, while improving access to quality healthcare in the hinterland. (DPI)