Govt to cover fees for ‘echo’, ultrasound tests done for GPHC patients at private institutions

– private hospitals agree to reduced fees following meeting with President

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will be offsetting all expenses incurred by patients of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to conduct echocardiograms (echo) and ultrasound tests at private hospitals. This will be executed in an effort to clear the waiting list at the public hospital.

This announcement was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali while addressing the congregation at the Unity Baptist Church, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Good Friday.
According to the Head of State, this initiative is aimed at patients who are on the waiting list at GPHC for the aforementioned tests, while the Government sources the necessary equipment.
According to President Ali, some 3000 persons are waiting for echocardiogram tests and another 2000 are on the waiting list for ultrasound tests. This number is bolstered by the fact that regional hospitals often refer patients requiring these tests to the GPHC.
Importantly, it was explained that the decision to have the tests conducted at private hospitals was reached after these private institutions agreed on a reduced fee following a meeting with the President.
Meanwhile, in his World Health Day message, the President spoke about his Government’s efforts to bridge gaps in the local healthcare system. According to him, the ultimate goal is to ensure that all Guyanese, regardless of their economic status, enjoy the “best” care in the country.
According to him, equitable healthcare is an important metric by which the Government looks to improve the health sector. To this end, President Ali pointed to the investments that are being made in upgrading regional and district hospitals and all health clinics across the regions.
“As part of the transformation of the local health sector, Guyanese can look forward to continued improvements in equity and healthcare, whether you reside in the deep reaches of the hinterland or the coastland, my Government is working to narrow health gaps and to bring health quality closer to every citizen.”
Among the new hospitals being constructed are a paediatric and maternity hospital. He assured that every regional hospital will soon be able to offer a suite of diagnostic services, including computerised tomography, scans, echocardiograms, ultrasounds and X-rays.
“As we improve our health infrastructure, we are also boosting the human resources of the health sector including through expanded training of nurses and other health personnel. World Health 2023 Day provides hope and optimism.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is receding, global health cooperation is now recognised as indispensable towards ensuring the health of the world’s citizens, the world is becoming more vigilant and more watchful in respect of future challenges,” he expressed.
Advances in the healthcare system in Guyana have been galloping along. Earlier this year, Woodlands Hospital launched its stem cell services and immunotherapy – becoming the first in the country to offer such ground-breaking medical technology to the population. At the time, President Ali had made a commitment that by 2030, Guyana will offer healthcare services that are internationally recognised.
“In the next seven years, we are not trying to, by the grace and help of God, in the next seven years we are building in Guyana, a first world healthcare system for our citizens and a healthcare system that is fit for purpose and one that will provide global healthcare services for the rest of the world. Mark this night,” the Guyanese leader had declared.
“There is no rest in this sector in getting it to where we want to be.”
Moreover, he said as more and more innovations take place in the sector, he called in financial and medical specialists as well as policymakers to start discussions on modern health insurance plans.
He had also announced the forthcoming establishment of a National Medical Scientific Council. This council, President Ali had noted, would bring the country’s best medical talent to investigate “not old technology but the best-in-class medical science development that can be applied in Guyana to help us here”.