Government is pressing ahead with what it says will be a complete transformation of the country’s healthcare system, with major investments planned for hospitals, medical equipment, digital health and the supply of drugs. 

Presenting the health sector allocations, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said the government’s objective is to deliver a modern, world-class healthcare system, focused on expanded access, advanced technology and timely medical care across the country.

He reminded the House that in 2025, six new state-of-the-art regional hospitals were brought into operation in Lima, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and Number 75 Village, while construction advanced on six additional hospitals.

Building on that momentum, the government plans to push ahead in 2026 with a series of major infrastructure projects aimed at transforming healthcare delivery nationwide.

“We will deliver a fully transformed healthcare system amongst others advancing Paediatricand Maternity Hospital and six regional hospitals in Moruca, West Demerara, New Amsterdam, Bartica, Kato and Lethem …… upgrading the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, complete the polyclinics at Campbellville and Industry, and undertake other critical infrastructure upgrades for which the sum of 1.5 billion dollars is budgeted,” Dr Singh said.

Significant attention is also being placed on expanding and upgrading medical equipment to improve diagnosis and treatment, particularly at the country’s main referral hospital and in remote communities.

The Finance Minister said billions of dollars were spent on medical equipment last year, with additional funding allocated for 2026 to strengthen specialized care and digital health services.

“A critical aspect of our healthcare delivery is the expansion and upgrade where needed of our fleet of medical equipment. In 2025, the sum of $4.6 billion was expended and in 2026,$3.1 billion is budgeted for key initiatives,” he told the House.

These initiatives include the installation of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and an additional Computed Tomography (CT) scanner and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory machine for GPHC.

It also encompasses the installation of an additional 50 telemedicine sites to serve remote communities, and the integration of AI supported diagnostic systems for the improvement of clinical decision making and for the quality of healthcare provided.

For 2026, billions of dollars have been allocated for the construction of regional drug distribution centres, the modernization of supply chain management systems, and the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to meet growing demand.

The Minister said these investments are aimed at reducing shortages, improving efficiency and ensuring patients receive quality care when they need it.