UG medical graduates urged to uphold professionalism, compassion, ethical service

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Retired), Mark Phillips underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening Guyana’s healthcare system as he urged University of Guyana UG’s medical graduates to uphold professionalism, compassion and ethical service. During the keynote address at the university’s White Coat Ceremony held on Sunday evening at the Pegasus Suites & Corporate Centre, PM Phillips urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and to ground their practice in empathy, reminding them that while science heals bodies, compassion heals people.

“This white coat signals the beginning of your service to humanity. It asks you to stand for something greater than yourself. It calls you to uphold integrity, professionalism and compassion in every clinical space you enter. Be advocates for your patients. Be leaders in your communities. Be lifelong students of your craft and be proud of the role you will play in shaping a healthier, stronger Guyana.”
The PM also acknowledged the discipline, endurance and personal sacrifice required to reach this milestone, urging the graduates to recognise the families, lecturers, mentors and colleagues who supported them throughout their journey. He congratulated UG on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of its School of Medicine, while noting that with the Class of 2025, over 450 doctors have been trained by the institution since 1985, which makes it a “cornerstone of Guyana’s healthcare development”.
He also detailed the unprecedented transformation taking place in Guyana’s healthcare sector, emphasising that the graduates are entering their clinical training at a historic moment. The PM highlighted that over the last five years, the Government has commenced construction of 12 new hospitals, 25 new health centres, and five regional drug distribution centres, while upgrading over 400 health facilities across the country. “You are entering the clinical phase of your studies at a moment that is both historic and urgent. The healthcare sector is expanding at a pace never before seen in Guyana, and it needs the passion, discipline and brilliance that each of you brings,” he noted.
PM Phillips explained that the Government has strengthened the health workforce by employing hundreds of doctors, over 500 nurses, 1900 nursing assistants, 390 community health workers, and 190 pharmacy assistants. He also noted the introduction of telemedicine for the first time in Guyana’s history, with more than 80 telemedicine sites now active, connecting remote hinterland communities to specialists and life-saving consultations. The Government’s ambitious vision to provide accessible, modern, world-class healthcare for every citizen was also outlined. The PM revealed that in the next five years, the Government will complete and operationalise state-of-the-art hospitals in every region and train at least 6000 nurses through expanded programmes. The healthcare system will also integrate artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics to support the interpretation of medical imaging and pathology, while expanding digital health nationwide through Electronic Health Records and a fully integrated Emergency Medical Services system. He highlighted that the transformation underway in the sector will support the next generation of medical professionals. “You are entering a profession in a country that is ready to receive you, support you, and grow with you. Your Government welcomes your emerging expertise and recognises that your success is directly tied to the strength of Guyana’s healthcare future.”