U.S. medical mission launches in Guyana

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, today officially launched the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission, which will deliver comprehensive medical services across several regions in Guyana.

The medical team will operate from March 31 to April 11, 2025, providing specialised medical, surgical, ophthalmological, and dental care at multiple locations, including Port Mourant Hospital, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and Cheddi Jagan Dental School.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony emphasised the importance of expanding the mission’s reach beyond the capital. “We were constantly discussing how to expand this mission beyond Georgetown to other regions of Guyana,” Dr Anthony said. “I’m very pleased that we’ve extended to Region 6, and we’ll also be in Region 3, as well as here in Region 4.”

Dr Anthony highlighted the positive impact of the collaboration, noting that it significantly boosts Guyana’s healthcare capabilities in areas such as vascular surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, and general surgery. The minister praised the initiative for enabling local healthcare professionals to gain new techniques and improve their skills.

Adrienne Galanek, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, said the regional initiative represented a substantial commitment, involving more than US$1 million in medical supplies alone.

LAMAT Commander Colonel James Bershinsky noted that the mission’s collaborative approach aims to provide essential medical care while reinforcing long-term partnerships between the United States and Guyanese healthcare professionals.

Present at the event were senior officials, including Ministry Permanent Secretary Malcolm Watkins; Chief Executive Officer of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Robbie Rambarran; Command Surgeon of U.S. Air Forces Southern Colonel Brian Gavitt; and Command Surgeon of U.S. Southern Command Colonel Brian H. Neese.