WITH the government’s vision to transform Guyana’s health sector to world-class status, significant investments are set to be made in the 2024 national budget amounting to some $129.8 billion.

The announcement was made by the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh during his budget 2024 presentation, on Monday, in the National Assembly.

Dr Singh told the house that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government had promised to invest heavily in objectives such as the expansion of diagnostic services countrywide; adequate procurement and supply of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies and expansion of the range of medical personnel and services.

The significant investment in 2023 amounted to $90.2 billion, reflecting the dedication to implementing various healthcare initiatives.

As part of the ongoing efforts to expand and enhance health facilities and diagnostic capabilities across the country, several key initiatives are in progress.

This includes the continuation of construction on the world-class paediatric and maternal hospital in Ogle, with an allocation of $10.3 billion.

Similarly, for the new world-class hospital at New Amsterdam, where construction has recently commenced, Minister Singh said that an allocation of $6.2 billion has been set aside.

The expansion of health services will extend to regional hospitals, with construction advancing in six locations: Bath, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore, Lima, and No. 75 Village. A budget of $15.5 billion has been earmarked for this purpose.

Additionally, hospitals in Bartica, Suddie, and West Demerara are slated for upgrades, with an allocation of $10 billion. New hospitals are also planned for Kamarang, Kato, and Moruca, along with the upgrading of the Lethem Regional Hospital, requiring $1.5 billion in funding.

To further enhance the health infrastructure, $5 billion has been allocated for the retrofitting of health centres, health posts, and other facilities nationwide.

Recognising the challenges posed by competition for healthcare professionals, the finance minister highlighted substantial interventions.

“We are investing heavily in the training of health science professionals including nurses, with an investment of $1.4 billion budgeted for the construction of two health science training facilities at New Amsterdam and Suddie,” the minister said.

In response to growing demands for medical services, this year’s budget anticipates an intake of over 3,500 students, including more than 2,000 enrolled in nursing programmes. Various initiatives focusing on chronic diseases, mental health, and communicable diseases are also expected to roll out this year.

He revealed that several other programmes are expected to be rolled out this year targeting chronic diseases, mental health and communicable diseases.

One notable programme announced in this year’s budget is the $3.8 billion allocation which will cater for specific interventions to ramp up capabilities to detect and fight against cervical cancer.