President Dr. Irfaan Ali has called for the expansion of the United States-Guyana medical partnership, emphasizing its transformative impact on healthcare and bilateral relations. His remarks came during a luncheon at State House on Friday, April 11, marking the conclusion of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission.
The LAMAT mission, which deployed 60 US Army and Air Force medical professionals to Guyana, provided critical healthcare services across five major medical facilities: Port Mourant Hospital, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and Cheddi Jagan Dental School. Over two weeks, the team treated more than 1,700 patients and performed 480 surgeries, including a groundbreaking pediatric eye surgery that restored sight to a two-month-old baby—an achievement hailed as a first in Guyana’s medical history.
President Ali praised the mission not only for its direct medical contributions but also for its role in knowledge transfer to local healthcare professionals. “This is about leaving knowledge behind, which is the most important tool for transformation,†he stated. He highlighted the significance of such missions in fostering trust, collaboration, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.
The President expressed hope for future US medical missions to extend services to Guyana’s remote and hinterland regions, ensuring equitable healthcare access for all citizens. He also underscored the broader implications of the partnership, noting that it reflects a deliberate alignment of foreign policy, security, and economic strategies between Guyana and the United States.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of expanding healthcare services beyond urban centers. US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek commended Guyana’s hospitality and reiterated America’s commitment to strengthening healthcare cooperation with its ally.
As Guyana continues to build its healthcare capacity through initiatives like LAMAT, this partnership is seen as a model for international collaboration that not only improves lives but strengthens bonds between nations. President Ali’s call for an expanded alliance signals his administration’s commitment to fostering mutual development and advancing healthcare standards in Guyana.
