-as gov’t, Hess, Mount Sinai extend partnership
World class cancer care is one of the promises emanating from the extended collaboration between Hess Corporation, Mount Sinai Health System and the Govern-ment of Guyana.
The signing ceremony which was held yesterday at State House in Georgetown, served to further outline plans that will redefine healthcare in the country. Dubbed Vision 2030, the initiative promises a future where every Guyanese citizen—whether in the capital city or the most remote hinterland—has access to world-class healthcare.
Looking ahead, Hess declared the launch of Vision 2030, a five-year master plan that will revolutionise healthcare in Guyana. Key initiatives include: a) community-based healthcare systems focussing on cancer screening and treatment; b) a new national women’s and children’s hospital; c) a fully digitised health system; and d) an advanced strategy for human resources, infrastructure, and financing.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony underscored the role of the partnership in developing Guyana’s medical workforce. “The collaboration has significantly enhanced our human resource capacity, allowing us to tailor training programmes that equip healthcare professionals with the skills they need.”
These programmes include new guidelines for managing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which have been integrated into training workshops for medical professionals.
“By investing in our workforce in this manner, we ensure that healthcare facilities are staffed with well-trained individuals who can provide high-quality services,” the Minister added.
Executive Director of the Mount Sinai/Guyana Initiative, Dr Rachel Freeman, shared the institution’s long-term commitment to supporting Guyana’s healthcare evolution. “Guyana will transform its public health system to offer a continuum of high-quality healthcare services across every region.”
Dr. Freeman announced that by the second half of 2025, school health screenings would expand to secondary school students. Additionally, healthcare services will be integrated into schools to ensure that every child in every region receives essential medical care. Also highlighted were plans to establish a National Cancer Centre, which will offer world-class diagnosis and treatment for the country’s deadliest cancers – breast, prostate, and cervical cancer.
“This cancer centre will build on the lifesaving screenings already underway across every region, ensuring that top-quality diagnosis and treatment are accessible right here in Guyana,” she said.
President Irfaan Ali speaking at the gathering, also announced the roll out of several transformational plans for the health sector.
“In seven months, Georgetown Hospital and all regional hospitals—including West Dem, Linden, New Amsterdam, and Lethem—will have an electronic mobile app for scheduling appointments, receiving health updates, and medication reminders,”.
Paperless
He further pledged that within two years, Guyana’s healthcare system would be almost entirely paperless, moving to a fully electronic ecosystem that streamlines records management and treatment coordination.
“Our hospitals will rival the world’s best. Our facilities will offer the latest diagnostics, treatments, and surgical interventions, supported by state-of-the-art technology and global partnerships,” Ali declared.
Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, John Hess, reflecting on the current partnership stated, “Three years ago, Hess, Mount Sinai, and Guyana’s Ministry of Health joined forces to realise the government’s vision for world-class healthcare for the people of Guyana. The president’s vision, coupled with Mount Sinai’s expertise and Hess’ financial support, has been foundational for a strategic partnership benefiting the people of Guyana.”
The CEO highlighted several of the achievements, including the launch of a school-based programme offering annual health exams for children benefiting over 35,000 children who have been screened for vision, dental, hearing, and developmental issues, with 25 per cent being referred for treatment. He also announced the opening of a cutting-edge pathology lab at the Georgetown Public Hospital, reducing diagnostic wait times from three months to just three days.
“Patients can now begin receiving lifesaving care much sooner,” Hess said, emphasising that the lab’s remote connection to Mount Sinai’s pathology department in New York ensures Guyanese doctors have access to world-class expertise.
Hess also noted another milestone in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage, namely, the training of nearly 900 nursing assistants, set to graduate in 2025.
The first partnership in 2022 aimed to develop high-quality primary care, specialised services in cardiology and oncology, and significant improvements at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
