A total of $129.2B of the 2024 Budget has been allocated towards the healthcare sector and a large chunk has been assigned to the paediatric and maternal hospital in Plantation Goedverwagting.
According to Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, the healthcare sector in Guyana is currently undergoing a major transformation as the government takes measures to expand and upgrade health facilities and diagnostic capabilities.
The $129.2 billion allocated for this year will see key initiatives being implemented to improve healthcare services. One of the major projects in the pipeline is the construction of a world-class paediatric and maternal hospital in Goedverwagting, for which a sum of $10.3 billion has been allocated. Additionally, ground was recently broken for a new world-class hospital in New Amsterdam, with a budget of $6.2 billion dedicated to its construction.
Construction of the regional hospitals in Bath, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore and Number 75 Village, has started and will proceed throughout the year. The allocated budget for these healthcare projects is $15.5 billion.
Furthermore, existing hospitals like Bartica, Suddie and West Demerara will be upgraded at an estimated cost of $10 billion. Hospitals will also be constructed at Kamarang, Kato and Moruca, while the Lethem Hospital is set to receive an upgrade at the cost of $1.5 billion.
In addition, the government plans to retrofit health centres, health posts and other facilities countrywide, and a budget of $5 billion has been allocated for this purpose. Moreover, $2.9 billion has been budgeted for the expansion of the medical and non-medical equipment inventory.
Human resource capacity is another area of focus, as Guyana faces challenges in retaining its healthcare professionals, especially nurses. To address this, the government will be investing in the training of healthcare professionals. Two new health sciences training facilities are being constructed at Suddie and New Amsterdam.
The Finance Minister, during his budget presentation on Monday, noted that in 2023, over 2,000 students were admitted to the medical services programme, with approximately 2,000 enrolled in the nursing programme. The government, he said aims to train and employ as many qualified individuals as possible, whether for local employment or potential opportunities abroad.
Furthermore, bilateral agreements and arrangements with foreign countries, such as the Cuban Medical Brigade, have led to an increase in the number of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The projected number of medical professionals under such agreements is expected to reach 500 in 2024, which is a drastic increase from the 192 in 2023.
In tackling chronic diseases, including diabetes, Singh said that the government has a comprehensive agenda in place. This includes the full rollout of the Lusignan Centre and increased screening for non-communicable diseases.
In 2023, over 54,000 individuals were screened, and plans are currently in place to reach up to 70,000 screenings in 2024. Furthermore, Singh said there will be a significant focus on screening for cervical cancer, including the introduction of HPV testing.
To combat transmittable diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy, filariasis, and hepatitis C, various programnes have been implemented. This includes the rollout of treatment programmes for viral hepatitis C, the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets for malaria prevention, and the anticipated mass distribution of insecticidal nets this year, benefitting over 130,000 individuals in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten.
Additionally, the government is currently conducting a schools health programme; screening and providing follow-up services for nursery school students. Plans are underway to expand this programme to primary schools, potentially benefiting 8,000 to 7,000 students.
