MoH hands over 6 ambulances to support regional hospitals

– as Govt continues to modernise healthcare in Guyana

The Ministry of Health handed over six ambulances to support the operations of the country’s newly commissioned regional hospitals on Friday. The ambulances will serve the Lima Regional Hospital (Region Two), De Kinderen Regional Hospital (Region Three), Diamond Regional Hospital (Region Four), Enmore Regional Hospital (Region Four), Bath Regional Hospital (Region Five) and the Number 75 Village Regional Hospital (Region Six).

These facilities were recently opened as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise and expand Guyana’s healthcare system. Each ambulance was procured at a cost of $18 million and will strengthen emergency response capabilities while improving the safe and timely transportation of patients requiring urgent medical care. This investment forms part of the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality health services across Guyana.
Present at the handing over were Director General Vishwa Mahadeo; Director of Regional Health Services Dr Cerdel McWatt; Senior Operations Manager Michael Gouveia; and Regional Health Officer and representatives of respective regions. The Government has set aside $161.1 billion in 2026 to further modernise the country’s healthcare system with the aim of expanding medical infrastructure, improving access to modern equipment and medications, strengthening the healthcare workforce and providing patient-centred care across all regions.

In 2026, $24 billion will be allocated for the construction of a new Paediatric and Maternity Hospital, as well as six regional hospitals in Moruca, West Demerara, New Amsterdam, Bartica, Kato and Lethem. Additionally, $1.5 billion will improve the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and finish new polyclinics in Campbellville and Industry. Furthermore, $12.6 billion is set aside for building, renovating and maintaining health facilities across the country.
The Government also plans to create a National Neurological Rehabilitation Centre for patients with brain and spinal injuries, along with a modern oncology centre for comprehensive cancer care, which is budgeted at $1.1 billion. To boost diagnostic and treatment capabilities, $3.1 billion is designated for new medical equipment.

This includes installing an MRI scanner, a CT scanner, and a cardiac catheterisation laboratory at GPHC and expanding the telemedicine network to another 50 remote communities. Importantly, the Government will start incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic systems to enhance clinical decision-making and improve healthcare outcomes. A significant part of the health budget, $34.9 billion, will finance the purchase and delivery of drugs and medical supplies while upgrading the national supply chain.
In addition, five new regional drug distribution centres will open in Mabaruma, Onderneeming, Williamsburg, Lethem and Bamia. These centres will benefit from a modern, technology-driven inventory management system to ensure accountability and reduce shortages. A key project for 2026 is the continued rollout of the Electronic Health Records (EHR) System. This system aims to fully digitise patient information and boost service efficiency. With $764 million allocated, this system, already launched at the Festival City Polyclinic, will enable online booking, digital medical histories, and data sharing across facilities.