“One-size-fits-all medicine is ending” – Health Minister

…says drive now towards precision medicine

Guyana must begin preparing for a future in which medical treatments are tailored to the unique genetic makeup and health profiles of individual patients, as the global healthcare industry rapidly shifts away from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to medicine.
This was the view of Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who spoke at the Excellence in Pharmacy awards ceremony on Friday at Cara Lodge Hotel, Georgetown. Anthony said advancements in technology, genetics and pharmaceutical research are paving the way for precision medicine, where medications, implants and other treatments can be customised to meet the specific needs of each patient, resulting in more effective healthcare outcomes.

Dr Anthony said the Government’s vision is not only to conduct scientific research but also to translate research findings into the development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and other innovative health products. He noted that achieving this goal would require a highly skilled local workforce and emphasised the importance of training Guyanese professionals to participate in emerging industries.
According to the Minister, while efforts continue to address existing challenges within the healthcare system, the country must also position itself to advance and embrace cutting-edge developments in medicine and research.
“So, we want to be at the edge of whatever is happening in medicine. And if we’re going to do that, then we need to train people. We need to embrace the technology so that we can be at that cutting edge.” He noted that there is also a shift in how medicine is being practiced globally.
“You’re moving from a one-size-fits-all to more precision medicine. So, right now, if somebody comes in, whether they’re obese or thin or tall or whatever, generally you’ll give them maybe 500 milligrams of Panadol or something.”
However, he explained that such an approach does not take into consideration a person’s metabolism, genetics and other individual factors that should influence treatment. While this model of medicine has served patients for decades, Anthony said it is no longer precise enough.
“Therefore, we have to evolve to a system where whatever we are dispensing can be customised to that patient. And we need to get closer to that type of arrangement. So, in the future, things would be manufactured for that patient. And we need to embrace that.” He further noted that advances in technology could soon make highly personalised treatments a reality.
“In the near future, if somebody needs some kind of implant or something, they’ll be able to 3D print it for that person. And that would be unique for that person.”
Anthony said that while such developments may sound like science fiction, companies are already working on creating artificial organs using 3D-printing technology and living cells.
“Very soon, in a couple of years, you would start seeing more of these types of things. Think about when a diagnosis is made for a patient. You now 3D print the meds, combine them in the right proportion based on that person’s genetic profile and metabolism, and you’re able to make something more precise for that patient.” He added that Guyana must begin embracing this mindset and preparing a new generation of researchers and healthcare professionals to participate in the development of future medical technologies.
“That is where medicine is going. And we need to start embracing these types of mindsets to be able to get there. But we also want people who are going to be part of that research to develop some of these things.”