Guyana secures US$97M IDB loan to strengthen health services

Guyana has secured a US$97 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to strengthen its healthcare network – the first operation under a conditional credit line for investment projects (CCLIP).
The overall objective of the CCLIP, which will include multiple loans, is to improve access, quality, and efficiency of health services in the country.
The programme will expand the capacity of seven hospitals, spanning four hinterland hospitals in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Linden Hospital, New Amsterdam Hospital, and Georgetown Public Hospital.
Funds will also be used to extend the coverage of diagnostic exams and medical consultations. It will also increase the efficiency of the public health system by supporting improvements in logistics, management, and processes. Infrastructure upgrades include more efficient use of water and energy as well as accessibility provisions for disabled persons.
“It is expected that the project will benefit around 406,000 persons, over half of the country’s population. In addition, the telehealth activities, which will be installed in over 15 health facilities, will reach all ten of the country’s regions, including the hinterlands,” the IDB in a statement related.
As part of the investment project activities, the CCLIP will also finance Guyana’s plans for a digital transformation in health, including the expansion of the teleradiology and teleophthalmology networks. Finally, it will strengthen supply chain management, improve the provision of maternal and child health, and contribute to pandemic and emergency preparedness, among other activities.
This programme included a gender and diversity assessment to identify and address health disparities by gender, ethnicity, and disability status. In addition, it contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation by financing health infrastructure that is environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate change.
The IDB loan has an amortisation period of 25 years, a grace period of 5.5 years, and an interest rate based on SOFR.
The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance, and training to the public- and private-sector clients throughout the Region.
Access to proper healthcare has been high on the Health Ministry’s agenda, with an injection of a whopping $73 billion into the sector during the 2022 budget. This was an enormous increase from the $53.5 billion in 2021. From this figure, $1 billion was set aside for upgrades to health centres and an additional $2 billion for medical and non-medical equipment.