Over 80 remote communities gain access to quality care through 19Labs’ GALE eClinics

More than 80 remote communities across Guyana benefit from expanded access to quality healthcare through the GALE eClinics initiative spearheaded by US-based company 19Labs, in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Chief Executive Officer of 19Labs, Ram Fish, said the initiative represents a major expansion of Guyana’s national telemedicine programme, which began in 2022. He noted that while recent developments reflect commitments made by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, the foundation of the project was laid several years ago.
“This is not a new project. The telemedicine initiative started in 2022 and has since grown into what we believe is one of the most advanced and extensive telemedicine systems in the world,” Fish said. He added that no other country currently operates a telemedicine network of similar scale, integrating numerous communities with a wide range of diagnostic devices.
Through the GALE eClinics platform, residents in hinterland and remote areas can now access affordable and reliable medical care using a combination of telemedicine, smart diagnostic tools, and broadband connectivity. Clinics are equipped with dozens of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including portable ultrasound machines, ECG monitors, and glucometers, allowing community health workers to provide an elevated standard of care within their own villages.
19Labs also supports capacity-building by hosting weekly virtual training seminars for community health workers and connecting them directly with medical specialists. The company further assists the Ministry of Health with site visits, monitoring, and data collection.
Additionally, the GALE platform supports the digitisation of clinical and public health records, including malaria reporting forms, birth and death registries, and other essential healthcare documentation, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and continuity of care across the public health system.
The initiative is among the strong partnerships between the United States and Guyana and underscores a shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery and expanding opportunities for all Guyanese, particularly those living in remote and underserved communities.
Given that many hinterland communities lack access to electricity, the telemedicine systems are powered through a combination of solar energy and Starlink satellite connectivity. These systems are designed to automatically adjust energy usage, ensuring reliable and efficient operation while minimising power consumption. In some locations, traditional satellite systems are also used in tandem with Starlink to maintain consistent internet access.
To date, telemedicine installations have been completed in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), with expansion along the coastal areas planned for later in the year. The initiative has strengthened the delivery of healthcare in remote villages by enabling community health workers to consult directly with doctors at the regional or national level when cases exceed their capacity.