Gov’t to pay private hospitals to help clear huge backlog for echocardiograms, ultrasounds

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday said the government is serious about clearing the existing backlog for echocardiograms and ultrasounds in the public healthcare system that has left thousands of people on a waiting list.

Dr. Ali delivered a message themed on ‘hope over hopelessness’ while speaking during the Good Friday service at the Leonora Baptist Church, West Coast Demerara.

There, he said, it was recently brought to his attention that over 2, 000 persons were waiting for ultrasounds and another 3,000 on a waiting list for echocardiograms.
These backlogs, Dr. Ali said, were mostly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To address the situation, the government is prepared to finance the tests at private hospitals for those in need.

“The government will finance the clearing of the backlogs for every single person who requires an echocardiogram or an ultrasound,” Dr. Ali said.
No other details were offered.

Along with that announcement, the President said he is happy to see young people engaged positively and said he was blessed to lead a young team in government.

“Easter gives hope over hopelessness… the story is an inspiration for all to understand their responsibility to bring hope and help to make people smile.

“You don’t need to have to be rich or powerful, you just have to be kind, open, understanding and patient,” Dr. Ali said.

He urged Christians and all Guyanese to let it be a season of reflection.