Safe deliveries, better care for mothers and babies – Health Minister

In an update on the nation’s healthcare system, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony on Saturday outlined a series of strategic investments aimed at ensuring mothers receive the care they deserve.

Speaking at the launch of the newborn cash grant at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Dr. Anthony highlighted key advancements in healthcare that will directly benefit women and children, especially in rural and interior regions.

“One of the most critical investments we’ve made is in creating safe health facilities for deliveries, which has directly contributed to a decline in maternal deaths,” Dr. Anthony shared.

For many years, women in remote areas faced the significant challenge of travelling long distances to access hospital care during pregnancy and childbirth. However, Dr. Anthony revealed that this is no longer the case.

“Mothers in these communities no longer have to travel long distances for hospital care,” he said. “We’ve built waiting homes within hospital compounds, giving women a safe place to stay before they give birth.”

In addition to improving access to healthcare facilities, the government has introduced a new programme that ensures pregnant women receive comprehensive care from the moment they visit a clinic. The initiative includes early testing to identify high-risk pregnancies, enabling safer deliveries for both mothers and babies.

“Through this programme, we can detect high-risk pregnancies early, allowing us to take preventive action and ensure a safe delivery,” Dr. Anthony explained. This move is expected to significantly reduce complications and improve the overall health of mothers and their newborns.

In another major improvement, babies born prematurely will no longer have to be transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Instead, all regional hospitals now feature neonatal units, meaning that premature babies can receive the specialised care they need close to home.

This year, Guyana will also open six new hospitals, each equipped with modern birthing suites and advanced operating theatres. “These new hospitals will offer women better healthcare facilities, ensuring a higher standard of care during pregnancy and childbirth,” Dr. Anthony remarked.

Dr. Anthony also pointed to the modern speciality hospital at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, which will provide specialised services for women and children. This facility is expected to make a significant difference in the quality of care available to those in need of specialised attention.

Looking ahead, Dr. Anthony expressed optimism about the future of healthcare in Guyana. “In the next three to four years, we will see a completely transformed healthcare landscape, with more hospitals and improved services,” he said.

As Guyana celebrates International Women’s Day, Dr. Anthony took the opportunity to highlight the positive changes underway in the healthcare system, adding, “There is a lot to look forward to. We are making real progress in building a healthier future for our mothers and children.”