The Government has announced a National Health Care Initiative that will establish a Cardiovascular and Oncology Centers of Excellence in Guyana, among other initiatives aimed at improving the overall health system throughout Guyana.
This is a joint venture among the Government, Hess Corporation, and Mount Sinai Health System, which will see Hess Corporation investing USD$32M in this initiative.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, who was explaining what the health initiative entails, noted that the agreement has three broad components, including the strengthening of primary healthcare across Guyana through the support of Mount Sinai, the enhancement of patient care, and a proposed partnership between the Government and the private sector to develop a Cardiovascular and an Oncology Centre of Excellence.
“Today, the signing represents one of those pivotal moments for health care transformation in Guyana. We in the Ministry of Health and the wider health care fraternity are really, really excited by this initiative and look forward to working closely with Mount Sinai team as we advance health care in Guyana,” Dr Anthony said.
President Irfaan Ali described the initiative as huge as it advances Guyana's position to become a destination of choice for health care regionally and globally.
"The Government's commitment to providing world-class healthcare is one-step closer with this partnership. Building this health infrastructure requires a holistic approach aimed at a human, systemic, institutional, infrastructural, technological, and cultural shift in achieving the goal of world-class healthcare."
However, President Ali said private sector input is needed to advance Guyana's health care to a 'world-class destination.'
"The National Health Care system comprises of the private sector, and you have an integral and important role to play in this transformation," the President said.
In light of this, the Head of state announced that corporate tax has been removed on health care providers as the government looks to encourage investments in this regard.
In addition, Mount Sinai will be giving a 30% discount for Guyanese who require medical attention overseas.
Meanwhile, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System said that by next week, a team of 40 medical practitioners would be in Guyana to commence an exchange-training programme for personnel of the Georgetown Public Hospital.
John Hess, Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, assured the government that his company is committed to its social responsibilities, such as excellent health care for citizens in Guyana.
