Health Ministry, PAHO strengthen collaboration to boost Primary Health Care delivery

The Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), on Tuesday launched a three-day workshop on Advancing Primary Health Care in Guyana, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen health care delivery at the community level. The workshop brings together regional and national health leaders to build capacity and develop strategies aimed at improving the effectiveness of Primary Health Care (PHC) across the country.
According to the Ministry, among the main objectives are to reorient health leadership on the new PHC agenda and to develop a regional roadmap for the short- to medium-term implementation of PHC initiatives. Participants are engaging in discussions and training sessions focused on several key areas, including the Integrated Model of Care and Health Service Delivery Network, the evolution and features of a well-performing PHC system, national PHC monitoring systems, and the PHC delivery model. Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, highlighted that Guyana has made notable progress in strengthening PHC services over the past five years.
“The fact that we’ve achieved so much is because everyone understood their role and worked collaboratively toward a shared vision,” Dr Hamilton stated.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continued investment in health infrastructure and service quality. He noted that the Ministry currently manages about 400 health facilities nationwide, including health posts and centres, many of which have undergone significant upgrades. “Over the past two years, we have made substantial financial investments to enhance these facilities – upgrading waiting areas, sanitary facilities, and the overall environment to ensure that patients receive care in comfort and dignity,” Dr Anthony said.
“At this point, there should be no health facility facing major infrastructural challenges. Our focus now is to ensure improved accessibility, functionality, and quality across the network,” he added.
While acknowledging the progress made, the Minister urged continued efforts to further develop the system and improve service delivery to meet evolving community needs. PAHO/WHO (World Health Organisation) Representative to Guyana, Dr Eva Dickson, underscored the importance of Primary Health Care as the cornerstone of a resilient health system.
“Primary Health Care is the bedrock of community well-being,” Dr Dickson said. “It ensures that essential services – from maternal and child health to immunisation, chronic disease management and mental health support – are available and accessible to all.”