February 5, 2025
The Parliamentary Committee of Supply resumed its review of the 2025 budget estimates this morning, focusing on the Ministry of Health’s allocation.
During the session, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony announced that the government had successfully secured a grant of 15 million US dollars from the Pandemic Fund, aimed at preparing Guyana for potential future pandemics.
The Pandemic Fund was established in response to the challenges faced by countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Anthony explained that the funds would be used to develop a robust surveillance system, transitioning it from paper-based methods to an electronic system.
The surveillance scope will also expand to include animals.
In addition to pandemic preparedness, the Committee of Supply approved a budget of 121 billion dollars for the Ministry of Health in 2025.
This includes the completion and commissioning of a paediatric and maternity hospital at Ogle, along with the completion of six regional hospitals.
The opposition raised concerns regarding the timeline for the opening of these hospitals, to which Dr. Anthony responded that the first hospital would be operational within the next four months.
Further allocations include 4.3 billion dollars for medical equipment and 28 billion for the purchase of medical drugs and supplies.
The Ministry also plans to invest in the training of more healthcare professionals to enhance the country’s healthcare capacity.