An artist’s impression of the new West Demerara Hospital

Guyana is taking significant strides towards establishing a “world-class” healthcare sector by integrating its public and private health services with those in New York and India, as announced by President Irfaan Ali on Friday. During the sod-turning ceremony for a new 150-bed West Demerara hospital in Best Village, with an investment of GY$11.4 billion, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare tailored to the needs of the population.

“We are building a healthcare system to respond to your needs because we want you to have world-class health services,” President Ali stated. He revealed that discussions have been initiated with Northwell, the largest healthcare provider in New York, to facilitate specialized services through a network that combines public hospitals and private healthcare institutions in Guyana.

The new West Demerara Hospital is set to feature a control room designed to integrate various health centers and posts, ensuring availability of doctors across the region. This regional system will be connected to a national platform that includes international links. “We have already negotiated for this platform to be integrated with the Northwell platform, Mount Sinai platform, and some of the best providers in India,” President Ali explained. This integration aims to provide local doctors with access to specialty services that will enhance their decision-making capabilities within a global healthcare framework.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony elaborated on the plans, indicating that the goal is to create an electronic hospital platform to facilitate telemedicine consultations. He noted that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s advanced pathology lab is already capable of sending specimens electronically to Mount Sinai for second opinions.

The new West Demerara Hospital will be equipped with advanced facilities, including a catheterization laboratory (CATLAB) for diagnosing and treating heart conditions, along with CT scanners, mammography, and MRI machines. It will also feature four operating theaters, intensive care units (ICUs), and specialized neonatal and pediatric ICUs. Currently, the existing West Demerara Regional Hospital provides digital X-rays, ultrasounds, and echocardiogram services.

As part of its healthcare expansion plan, the government aims to officially open six new hospitals within this year and several others, including the West Demerara Hospital, by 2028.