Health sector secures $143.2 billion for transformative investments

The parliamentary Committee of Supply on Wednesday approved the budget for the Ministry of Health for 2025, with a significant emphasis on the expansion and modernisation of health infrastructure across the country.

Defending the budget, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges in the health sector, especially in light of the pressures the sector faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was grilled for two hours by opposition MPs, including former Health Ministers Volda Lawrence and Karen Cummings, but remained steadfast in his defence of the government’s approach.

A notable allocation in the budget is the $2.98 billion for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), which will be used to provide essential facilities, vehicles, furniture, and equipment.

The funds will contribute to the continued expansion of GPHC’s capabilities, which has seen the introduction of new surgeries and advanced medical technologies, such as laparoscopic kidney transplants and minimally invasive surgeries.

The health budget for 2025 will also fund several key projects aimed at expanding health infrastructure. Among the most significant investments are the $28.1 billion allocation for the completion and commissioning of the Paediatric and Maternity Hospital at Ogle, as well as the construction of six regional hospitals in Lima, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath, and No. 75 Village. Additionally, works will progress on the construction of four more regional hospitals and the upgrade of Lethem Regional Hospital.

Dr. Anthony also outlined plans to establish new training complexes in Suddie and New Amsterdam, as well as two dormitories for health sciences training. The budget includes $852 million for these projects.

To further improve the availability of medical supplies, the government has allocated $28 billion for drugs and medical supplies in 2025. This will ensure that the basic necessities for treating patients are readily available, with a particular focus on expanding vaccine storage capacity and increasing outreach in remote areas.

Human resource development also remains a priority, with significant investments in training. Since 2020, over 2,000 healthcare professionals have graduated, with a further 3,761 currently in training. By 2025, an additional 3,290 healthcare professionals are expected to complete their training.

In addressing chronic diseases, Dr. Anthony confirmed that over 90,000 people were screened in 2024, surpassing the targeted number. A further 100,000 individuals will be screened in 2025, with the continued rollout of the HEARTS protocol at an additional 163 sites.

Mental health also remains a key area of focus, with the expansion of services including an 18-bed mental health ward at GPHC. The government has also committed to converting the current New Amsterdam Hospital into a dedicated mental health facility, following the closure of the old National Psychiatric Hospital.