IN an effort to highlight how the rehabilitation workforce has been strengthened in the last four years, the Ministry of Health has provided an update on the number of occupational therapists, speech therapists and audiologists now locally  available.

It was said by the ministry that since 2020, the government has made significant investments towards expanding rehabilitation services; It recognises the vital role of these professionals in improving long-term health outcomes.

According to the health ministry, the number of speech therapists and audiologists in 2020 was four. This number has since been increased to 12 and reflects a committed effort to build specialised capacity.

Meanwhile, the ministry noted that the number of occupational therapists grew from five in 2020, to 17 by 2025, a demonstration of commitment to more holistic patient care.

During the recent launch of Rehab Week 2025, Dr Ariane Mangar, the Director of Rehabilitation Services, highlighted that building the future of rehabilitation in Guyana is no longer a side service, but rather it is a pillar of our health system.

At this level, the country’s disability and rehabilitation services are delivered through the ministry’s Programme Seven.

The sub-programmes looked at are administration, rehabilitation and disability. Under these are the following sub-component:the  National Commission on Disability; the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre; Occupational Therapy Services; Physiotherapy Services; Speech and Language Therapy Services; Audiology Services; Rehabilitation Services; Chesire Home and the Open Door Centre.

Nearly one year ago, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) collaborated with Smile Train Guyana to host an intensive Cleft Palate Speech Therapy Training for speech therapists and rehabilitation assistants.

It was aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals in diagnosing and treating cleft-palate speech disorders in Guyana.

The collaboration was said to underscore a shared commitment to improving the lives of persons with cleft-palate conditions and ensuring that children and adults receive the support they need to enhance their speech and quality of life.