-by Nakasia Logan
President Dr. Irfan Ali has outlined a renewed national push to expand specialized health care services, linking it to Guyana’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Speaking at the opening of the Optique Eye Hospital, President Ali described health care as a growing pillar of what he called a care economy, where medical services are not just essential social support, but a powerful investment sector, driving growth, innovation and private capital.
He said the new facility is a clear sign of how private sector investment is reshaping the country’s health care landscape.
“The construction of this hospital stands as proof of the strides that are being made by private health care providers, and it reflects a simple but powerful fact that we often overlook. That fact is that when the private sector invests in health care, the entire nation benefits,” the president said.
He also pointed to government incentives designed to attract more investment, saying Guyana is positioning itself as a serious destination for specialised health care and medical tourism.
“Guyana wants to become a prime destination for medical tourism. We want our country to be known not only for its natural beauty, its energy potential and its economic growth, but also for excellence in health care services,” he explained.
The $1 billion Optique Eye Care Facility is now among the country’s most advanced ophthalmology centers, offering a full range of services, from routine eye care to complex surgeries.
The commissioning marks another step towards a modern health care system driven by investment, innovation and expanded access.