— G$11.4B facility expected to open in late 2027, offering advanced diagnostic and specialist services
CONSTRUCTION of the new G$11.4 billion (US$54 million) West Demerara Regional Hospital at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three, is progressing steadily, with the modern healthcare facility expected to become fully operational by late 2027.
The new hospital, which will replace the existing facility that has served residents for nearly eight decades, is being designed to significantly expand access to specialised medical care, advanced diagnostic services and modern treatment facilities for thousands of residents across Region Three and surrounding communities.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, following a recent visit to the construction site, expressed satisfaction with the progress of works, noting that the project represents another major investment in strengthening Guyana’s public healthcare system.
“The progress is steady and visible. We are building a modern hospital designed to deliver better, faster and more advanced healthcare to the people of Region Three and surrounding communities,” Dr Anthony said.
He explained that the new facility will significantly improve the range and quality of medical services available to residents, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region to access certain specialised treatments.
“When completed, the new hospital will significantly expand diagnostic and specialist services, including CT, MRI and cardiac catheterisation capabilities, while providing a modern environment for our patients and healthcare workers,” the Health Minister stated.
The hospital will accommodate more than 150 beds and depart from the traditional open-ward system commonly found in older public healthcare institutions.
Instead, the facility will incorporate a more modern approach to patient accommodation and care, supported by upgraded medical infrastructure and specialised treatment areas.
Among its key features will be four operating theatres, intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, and advanced diagnostic equipment, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners.
The inclusion of cardiac catheterisation services will also strengthen the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular conditions, marking a significant expansion of specialised healthcare services within the region.
Additionally, the outpatient department will offer a wide range of specialist services, including endoscopy, ear, nose and throat (ENT), dermatology, ophthalmology, internal medicine and gynaecology clinics.
These expanded services are expected to improve access to medical consultations, diagnostic testing and treatment while easing pressure on other major public healthcare institutions.
Dr Anthony acknowledged that additional work remains before the hospital can begin serving patients but expressed confidence in the project’s continued progress.
“There is still work ahead, but we are moving forward steadily. We expect the new West Demerara Hospital to open in late 2027,” he said.
“Brick by brick, hospital by hospital, we are building a stronger healthcare system for every Guyanese,” the Minister added.
The construction of the new West Demerara Regional Hospital forms part of the Government’s broader healthcare modernisation programme, which includes the construction and upgrading of hospitals, expansion of diagnostic and specialist services, and investments in modern medical equipment across the country.
Several new regional hospitals have already been commissioned under this programme, expanding healthcare delivery and providing thousands of outpatient consultations, laboratory tests and X-ray services to communities.
Once completed, the West Demerara facility is expected to play a critical role in strengthening healthcare delivery in Region Three, providing residents with access to a wider range of essential and specialised medical services closer to home.
