President Ali Engages Northwell Health Executives on Healthcare Modernization and STEM Opportunities
By Jayda Jeune | HGP Nightly News
President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday, September 10, held high-level discussions with executives from Northwell Health, led by Dr. Eric Cioè-Peña, Vice President and Founding Director of the Centre for Global Health.
The talks focused on Guyana’s ongoing efforts to modernize its healthcare system while simultaneously expanding educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Northwell Health, New York State’s largest private healthcare provider and employer, has been steadily building its telemedicine programme in Guyana since 2022. The initiative now operates across 81 sites, enabling real-time consultations between patients and healthcare providers using advanced audiovisual tools and integrated medical devices. Targeted particularly at remote hinterland and riverine communities, the programme has already strengthened access to care and improved emergency response systems.
Earlier this year at The Guyana Dialogue, Dr. Cioè-Peña disclosed plans to integrate telemedicine services into an acute care command centre, designed to provide immediate remote specialist consultations and reduce costly medical evacuations. He emphasized that “the transfer from Lethem is not necessary—telemedicine is a solution.”
He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector, noting that electronic medical records and decision-support systems could reduce administrative burdens, giving doctors and nurses more time to focus on direct patient care.
Healthcare development remains a major national priority, with the Government of Guyana allocating $143.2 billion to the Ministry of Health in the 2025 national budget. Of this, $83.6 billion is directed toward regional and clinical services, while additional investments support the completion of new facilities, advanced medical equipment, and targeted programmes such as:
- Malaria prevention – $15 million
- Tuberculosis training – $12.5 million
- HIV/AIDS management training – $28 million
The partnership discussions signal a strong push to merge international expertise, advanced technology, and local investment—a move expected not only to transform Guyana’s healthcare system but also to expand STEM pathways and opportunities for the nation’s youth.
