Guyana set on becoming pharmaceutical, vaccine manufacturing hub – Health Minister

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Guyana’s healthcare sector at the Cardiology and Endocrinology CE Symposium 2025, hosted by Chirosyn Discovery Technologies Inc.

The event, marking 15 years of excellence, brought together leading Canadian and Guyanese doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals for knowledge exchange on cutting-edge advancements in cardiology, endocrinology, pharmacy, physiatry, and genetic research.

During his opening remarks at the Pegasus Corporate Suites, Dr Anthony outlined the government’s strategic plans to enhance the healthcare sector, focusing on pharmaceutical manufacturing, legislative reforms, and the introduction of advanced medical technologies.

Dr Anthony highlighted the government’s vision to position Guyana as a key hub for pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing. He noted that legislative reforms are underway to modernise the Food and Drug Department regulations, which currently date back to 1974. These changes will improve the regulatory framework for medicines, medical devices, and vaccines, creating a more conducive environment for investment in the pharmaceutical sector.

“We are laying the foundation for companies to establish their manufacturing base in Guyana. This is the next wave of development for our health sector,” he said

The Minister also spoke about ongoing partnerships with the European Union (EU), revealing that Guyana has signed an agreement with the EU to support the establishment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub. He noted that this initiative is similar to the post-COVID-19 pharmaceutical sector developments in Rwanda, which received EU backing.

In addition to pharmaceuticals, the Minister provided updates on the expansion of specialised healthcare services. He announced that six new hospitals will be commissioned this year, alongside the construction of a state-of-the-art oncology centre and a stroke rehabilitation facility. These projects aim to decentralise healthcare services, ensuring that quality medical care is accessible across the country (Press release from the Ministry of Health)