GPHC Doctors Embark on Advanced Training in China to Strengthen Guyana’s Healthcare System
AND
Ministry of Health Revises Training Programme After Backlash
By Jayda Jeune
TODAY IN HEALTH – With a commitment to strengthening Guyana’s healthcare workforce, it is being demonstrated not only through local initiatives but also through international partnerships.
Seven doctors from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have embarked on a six-month Health Personnel Training Programme in collaboration with China, which will see them undergo three months of theoretical training in Guyana before heading to Jiangsu Province for three months of the practical aspect of the training.
The programme is part of a bilateral agreement between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China to raise the quality of healthcare systems in Guyana with training sessions. The seven doctors will be specialized in fields such as surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and emergency care.
Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony
At the launch, Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Frank Anthony, described the training as “high level” and essential for building capacity within the local health system.
“We are very pleased with this programme because we’ve already seen positive outcomes from the first batch of participants. The training in China is not only technically advanced, but also takes place in a modern, technology-driven environment that focuses on improving patient care,” Dr Anthony stated.
According to the CEO of GPHC, “Today marks another important milestone for our hospital and our country. We remain committed to excellence in healthcare, education, and research. Continuous training is crucial for improving health outcomes, and this programme will empower our professionals with cutting-edge skills and a global outlook,” Dr Rambarran said.
The doctors themselves expressed gratitude for being chosen, describing the programme as a life-changing opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health’s latest recruitment initiative for the Health sector training programme has taken an unexpected turn, sparking debate and eventually leading to a political shift.
What began as a straightforward announcement of new opportunities for aspiring healthcare workers quickly transformed into conversation about inclusion, fairness and the importance of equal access to education across all of Guyana’s ten administrative regions.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health, through its Health and Sciences Education division, unveiled two major training programmes: the Audiological Practitioner Training Programme and the Rehabilitation Assistant Training Programme. Both courses are designed to boost the country’s healthcare capacity and give more young people, particularly in rural areas, a chance to enter the medical field.
The Audiological Practitioner Training Programme, which will run for twelve months, will offer training to individuals between 18 and 40 years old from all regions of Guyana. This programme aims to prepare specialists who can diagnose, manage hearing and balance disorders, an area of healthcare that has long needed more expertise in the country.
The Rehabilitation Assistant Training Programme, launched alongside the audiology course, focuses on equipping participants with the skills to support physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals in assisting patients recovering from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. This programme, just like the audiology programme, will be for one year, followed by a three-year contractual obligation to serve in the public health system.
Both programmes allow applicants with four CSEC subjects to qualify, grades 1 – 3, and they also accept alternative certifications such as the GED, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), or the Bachelor’s Foundation Programme. Training will be conducted at the Health Sciences Education campus on Lot 10 Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown, and application forms are available online.
