Guyana gets US$97M financing to strengthen health services

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has  approved US$97 million in financing to strengthen Guyana’s health care network, including expanding seven hospitals and leading the digital transformation of the health sector.

Under the project, there will be improved capacity at seven hospitals – in Regions 1, 8, 8 and 9 and at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Linden Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital – and provide for extended coverage of diagnostic exams and medical consultations.

“It will also increase the efficiency of the public health system by supporting improvements in logistics, management, and processes. Infrastructure upgrades include more efficient use of water and energy as well as accessibility provisions for disabled persons,” the Bank said in a release.

It is expected that the project will benefit around 406,000 persons, over half of the country’s population. In addition, the telehealth activities, which will be installed in over 15 health facilities, will reach all ten of the country’s regions, including the hinterlands.

As part of the investment project activities, there is financing for Guyana’s plans for a digital transformation in health, including the expansion of the teleradiology and teleophthalmology networks.

In addition, it will strengthen supply chain management, improve the provision of maternal and child health, and contribute to pandemic and emergency preparedness, among other activities.