• programme aims to enhance patient experience and hospital efficiency across Guyana

THE Ministry of Health, on Thursday, officially launched the first batch of Patients Advocate training in Region Six, marking the start of a nationwide initiative to improve the experience of patients and their relatives at public health facilities.

The programme, which focuses on enhancing patient support and guidance throughout their healthcare journey, will see twelve Patients Advocates stationed at each of the New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, and Number 75 Hospitals, while two advocates will serve at the Mibicuri Hospital.

The launch event was attended by Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo; Emergency Medicine Specialist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr. Zulfikar Bux; and senior officials from the regional administration.

According to Dr. Bux, the initiative is designed to make hospital visits less stressful for patients while improving efficiency.

“This is a patients’ experience training. One of the challenges we find is that when patients visit a hospital, they go to the wrong place, get confused, and quite a lot of time is taken up. What we are trying to do now is to meet the patients, ask them about their issues and work with them to get through the system in a more efficient manner,” he explained.

The Patients Advocate Programme aims to reduce confusion, ease anxiety, and ensure patients receive timely and compassionate assistance. It is also expected to contribute to improved hospital management and patient satisfaction.

Dr. Bux noted that while a pilot version of the programme was introduced at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Region Six represents the first regional rollout.

“Next week we are going to Region Five, and every week after that we will be rolling out into the other regions,” he stated.

The initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader collaboration with Northwell Hospital in the United States, which has been instrumental in strengthening training for both clinical and non-clinical staff across Guyana’s health sector.

During his address to the trainees, Dr. Mahadeo emphasised that the programme complements the government’s massive investments in healthcare infrastructure, medical supplies, and accessibility.

“All the health facilities across the country have been upgraded, and better patients’ accommodation is being provided. This is all in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s vision of providing world-class healthcare to every Guyanese,” Dr. Mahadeo said.

He reminded participants of the importance of their new roles in humanising healthcare delivery.

“You are going to be the first contact, the face of the Government of Guyana, the President of Guyana, and the Ministry of Health. The patient might not remember the doctor or nurse when they go home, but they will remember you—so do your job well,” he urged.

Many of the new trainees were previously part-time workers. Dr. Mahadeo said the programme offers them a valuable opportunity to build careers and strengthen their skillsets, aligning with President Ali’s broader vision of improving the lives of all Guyanese.

He also encouraged participants to further their education through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which offers free online training and degree programmes for citizens.

Following the launch, Dr. Mahadeo met with a group from Region Five, who are expected to begin their Patients Advocate training next week. He also held discussions with the regional administration on ongoing health priorities and other related matters.

The Patients Advocate initiative represents another step in the Ministry of Health’s continued efforts to enhance the quality, accessibility, and compassion of healthcare services across Guyana.