Health Minister urges greater use of AI, computational biology in medical studies

– as he outlines vision for advancing life sciences and research in Guyana

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to scientific innovation and medical advancement, urging greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and computational biology in the country’s research and healthcare systems.
Speaking at the opening of the 18th Guyana Medical Research Conference, held at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, on Sunday, Minister Anthony said the event remains a cornerstone for advancing evidence-based medical practice and fostering collaboration among researchers, academics, and healthcare professionals.
The annual conference continues to provide a platform for sharing scientific findings and shaping the future of medical research in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
“These conferences allow us to study our local setting and develop practical solutions that can inform health policy and improve delivery,” Dr. Anthony stated. “We have already seen how past research findings have been applied to strengthen the health system, and this must continue.”
He announced plans to establish a national biobank in Guyana to support genetic and tissue-based research, positioning the country to participate more meaningfully in global biomedical studies. The Minister further emphasised the need to incorporate emerging technologies such as AI and computational biology into medical research and diagnostics, noting their potential to transform patient care and accelerate scientific discovery.
“Guyana has the potential to become a hub for medical innovation in the region,” he said. “We must build institutions that not only deliver clinical excellence but also produce world-class discovery science.”
Minister Anthony also highlighted the Government’s recent introduction of clinical trials legislation designed to create a robust governance framework for ethically conducted research in Guyana. This, he noted, will strengthen public trust and attract international research partnerships.
He reaffirmed the administration’s broader health agenda, which includes expanding infrastructure through the construction of new hospitals, improving service delivery, and building human resource capacity through research training and international scholarships.
The Health Minister further called for deeper academic linkages between Guyanese institutions and European universities, stressing that such partnerships would be key to developing local expertise and positioning Guyana as a regional leader in health science innovation.
Since assuming office in August 2020, the Guyana Government through the Ministry of Health have made significant strides in advancing bilateral talks with international companies and forging partnerships that have and will continue to play a pivotal role in delivering world-class healthcare services to citizens.
Just days ago, Dr Anthony had revealed that discussions are underway with several international pharmaceutical companies interested in partnering with Guyana to produce biosimilars, medicines equivalent to well-known drugs such as Ozempic.
“These partnerships will open doors for industrial pharmacy and local pharmaceutical manufacturing. We are laying the groundwork for a future where Guyana not only delivers high-quality healthcare but also contributes to global pharmaceutical innovation,” Dr. Anthony said at the time.
He further outlined the government’s long-term vision to transform Guyana into a biomedical and life sciences hub, an initiative designed to foster pharmaceutical research, innovation, and manufacturing.
“We aim to move beyond clinical care and become a producer of pharmaceuticals. Our biodiversity provides a rich source of natural compounds that can lead to new medical discoveries. We need scientists and pharmacists who can help us harness these resources responsibly and effectively,” he said.
To advance this goal, Guyana is preparing to sign an agreement with one of Europe’s largest life sciences parks, located in southern Belgium, to support the establishment of a local life sciences park.
Additionally, the government is finalising an agreement with a French aid organisation to facilitate capacity-building initiatives, including postgraduate training opportunities in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other European countries.
The minister added that as part of the health sector’s modernisation efforts, the Ministry is currently overhauling the Materials Management Unit (MMU) to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the storage and distribution of medicines across the public health system.