Expanded medical services, enhanced facilities for veterans – President Ali

Government has announced plans to significantly expand medical services and upgrade healthcare facilities dedicated to the country’s military veterans.
The announcement was made by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans’ Monument Site at Base Camp Ayanganna; and the initiative is aimed at improving healthcare access and support systems for veterans who have served Guyana with distinction.

According to President Ali, the move answers calls made recently by majority of the veterans to increase access to dental services, provision of spectacles, and extend said provisions to their spouses and close family members where applicable.
In response, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips has already committed to rehabilitation of the veterans’ home and other facilities.
Ali explained that resources are available to execute these works through the national programme, and as such, veterans can expect their request to be fulfilled soon.
“All of these things that we’re investing in is to ensure that not only you look forward for a long and enjoyable twilight time as veterans, but that whilst you’re in service, you can enjoy the dignity of that service, and retire with dignity in that service; and that is what we’re investing in. And even for our veterans, outside of what we do nationally: our programme on dialysis, our programme on spectacles’ distribution, our dental programme, our health care programme, our fortnightly programme with the Defence Force doctors visiting your facility; outside of all of this, we continuously seek to invest more in making your life comfortable,” President Ali said.
President Ali has provided the Guyana Veterans Legion with a new minivan through the Guyana Defence Force. Equipped with a threshold ramp for ease of access, this vehicle would enhance mobility for veterans with various disabilities.
During the Veterans’ Day wreath-laying ceremony, President Ali presented the keys to the minivan, along with monetary contributions, to Legion President Lt Col (Ret’d) George Gomes.
Since assuming office in August 2020, the PPP/C Administration has been expending the sum of $50 million annually to support military veterans.
According to the Head of State, more funds will be injected in 2025 to equip medical centres with new equipment and upgraded facilities to advance diagnostic tools, provide private consultation, and create a comfortable and accessible environment for veterans.
“There is absolutely no doubt about our commitment that is a GDF commitment, nor on the Government commitment towards serving members and our veterans. Absolutely no doubt! And all I ask is for us to be continuously fair in our assessment, continuously fair in our evaluation, and always be true to our conscience. And once, as a country, we are true to our conscience, we will all be in a position to make better decisions in our daily life and also in our public life,” he added.
About three weeks ago, Prime Minister Mark Phillips announced that the Government of Guyana would donate $2 million to the Guyana Veterans Legion to help the organisation continue to provide support to veterans.
Further, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to Guyana’s veterans, PM Phillips also announced that each surviving World War II veteran would receive $100,000 from President Dr Irfaan Ali.
Moreover, he said the Government is committed to continuing to provide other biannual support. (G1)