By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
The Government of Guyana has unveiled sweeping plans to transform the country’s healthcare system, supported by significant investments made in 2025 and a further $161.1 billion allocation for 2026, aimed at building a modern, technology-driven, and patient-centred health sector.
The allocation was announced by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during the presentation of the 2026 National Budget, as the government outlined its vision for improved access to quality healthcare, advanced medical services, and strengthened human resource capacity.
According to Dr. Singh, the strategy focuses on expanding hospital infrastructure, upgrading medical equipment, improving access to pharmaceuticals, digitising healthcare delivery, and developing a highly skilled health workforce.
In 2025, the health sector received $143.2 billion in funding, with major spending directed toward infrastructure development, equipment acquisition, workforce training, and medical supplies. Of that amount, $28.1 billion supported the completion and commissioning of the Paediatric and Maternity Hospital and six regional hospitals across the country.
An additional $6.5 billion was invested in upgrading and retrofitting health facilities and staff living quarters, while $2.9 billion funded specialised projects including the National Neurological Rehabilitation Centre and a Centre of Excellence for cancer treatment.
Medical equipment expansion formed a major part of the 2025 programme, with $4.3 billion invested in imaging services, telemedicine, and diagnostic capacity. Access to medicines was also prioritised, with $28 billion spent on drugs and medical supplies to improve availability nationwide.
Human resource development remained a key pillar, supported through $852 million for health sciences training complexes and dormitories, alongside expanded medical and nursing training programmes.
Building on that foundation, the 2026 health sector allocation of $161.1 billion is expected to accelerate reforms. Key investments include $24 billion to advance construction of the Paediatric and Maternity Hospital and six regional hospitals, $1.5 billion for upgrades to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the completion of the Campbellville and Industry polyclinics, and $1.1 billion for the National Neurological Rehabilitation Centre and a modern oncology centre.
Medical equipment expansion will continue in 2026, with $3.1 billion earmarked for MRI and CT scanners, cardiac catheterisation services, telemedicine expansion, and the introduction of artificial intelligence-supported diagnostics.
A central feature of the reform agenda is the digitisation of healthcare delivery. Government plans to roll out a national Electronic Health Records system, modernise drug distribution networks, and strengthen supply-chain management to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
Dr. Singh described the scale of the investment as transformative, noting that digital integration, improved infrastructure, and expanded services are essential to delivering equitable, high-quality healthcare nationwide.
The government says the combined investments reflect a long-term commitment to ensuring that all Guyanese have access to reliable, modern, and comprehensive healthcare services.
