Health Minister commends work of Medical Extension Officers at 48th anniversary

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, attended an appreciation dinner on Friday to mark the 48th anniversary of the Medical Extension Officers (MEDEX) programme in Guyana. He commended the pivotal role played by Medical Extension Officers in the country’s healthcare system. According to the Ministry of Health, the dinner was held to celebrate the MEDEX programme’s anniversary and to recognise the invaluable contributions of Medical Extension Officers to national healthcare.
These professionals have played a critical role in ensuring that quality healthcare services reach communities across the nation, particularly in remote and underserved areas, it added. In his remarks, Minister Anthony commended the officers for their continued dedication and service over the decades. He highlighted their importance as vital links in the delivery of primary healthcare and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting their ongoing professional development and well-being.

The appreciation dinner also served as an opportunity to reflect on the growth and evolution of the MEDEX Programme, while expressing gratitude to those who have served faithfully since its inception. The Ministry of Health extends warm congratulations to all MEDEX on this milestone and expresses sincere appreciation for their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare in Guyana.
The MEDEX Programme trains healthcare professionals to provide essential medical services in rural, riverine, and hinterland communities. These officers are trained to handle primary and routine care, function in roles similar to physicians and midwives, and bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility for remote areas.
Speaking on the Ministry of Health’s ‘Health Matters’ programme on Thursday, Chief for Medex-Regional Health Services Division, Carleen Howard-Mohabir, stated that 50 per cent of the MEDEX are employed in the hinterland communities.
According to Howard-Mohabir, in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, these medical professionals are changing lives, particularly with the intervention of technology in the healthcare system. Telemedicine, for example, is a new feature that is able to reach and care for patients in very remote communities. This system allows healthcare workers to consult and receive assistance from senior professionals in the city on matters they are unable to independently resolve. She encouraged more individuals to be trained in the programme to equip Guyana with a strong human capacity.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old and possess at least five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, including English, Mathematics, and one science subject.