‘Revolution’ in healthcare as sod turned for $831.8 million modern Campbellville Polyclinic

The new/modern $831.8 million Campbellville Polyclinic is expected to be completed in 12 months and is set to revolutionise healthcare delivery in Guyana.

This was revealed by President Irfaan Ali at the official sod turning ceremony for the new facility on Saturday.

“This is not simply an upgrade, it is a revolution in how we deliver healthcare, this is the kind of vision we are bringing to healthcare, a vision where every region, every community, every citizen have access to the kind of medical care that improves that save lives,” President Ali said as he delivered featured remarks at the event.

Healthcare professionals, cabinet ministers and residents attended the ceremony.

The new facility was heralded as a major transformation for local healthcare.
The project will merge the Campbellville and Kitty Health Centres into a brand new two-storey building. Out of 16 bidders, BM Property Management Investment Inc secured the contract, with Innovative Consultant Service appointed as the supervisory consultant.

The consolidation follows previous developments when the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) took over the management of the health centres.

Together, the two centres currently see an average of 5,000 patients monthly and this is expected to increase once the new polyclinic is completed.

The Campbellville Polyclinic aims to eliminate the need for referrals to GPHC and reduce the strain on the hospital, as it will handle diagnostics and specialised care directly.

“We are not just breaking ground, we are breaking barriers, we are not just putting up walls, we are tearing down obstacles to quality healthcare, we are not just turning the sod, we are constructing a better and stronger future for all,” President Ali said.

During his remarks, the Head of State revealed that all polyclinics and clinics will be linked through a telemedicine platform, connecting local doctors with specialists in partnering institutions in India and the US.

“Even if we have five radiologists, we will have access to 25 through the telemedicine platform,” he stated.

The polyclinic’s ability to enable early and accurate disease detection is seen as critical to improving patient outcomes.

“Establishing this modern polyclinic is a long overdue response to our challenges with the existing facilities both the kitty health centre and the campbellville health centre have served their communities but they were limited by outdated infrastructure,” GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer Robbie Rambarran highlighted.

The new facility will offer a wide range of services including x-ray, ultrasound, ECG, an asthma bay, physiotherapy, spirometry, diet and nutrition service, diabetic care, a dental suite along with primary healthcare services. Additionally, the facility will be equipped with two elevators and while it does not have a laboratory, proper logistics will be in place to transport samples to GPHC for lab testing.

Meanwhile, a section of the building will also serve as the Campbellville Post Office. Rambarran explained that to manage the expected overflow on pension distribution days, clinics will not be held to accommodate the pensioners.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said in addition to physical upgrades, the electronic health record system and a health app will also be integrated into the new polyclinic.

“So, not only are we going to give you a modern facility, but we will give you a modern way in which to make your appointments. When we talk about this modern way of doing healthcare this is what we are talking about,” Dr. Anthony said.

The Industry Health Centre is also earmarked to be upgraded to a polyclinic.