By Royan Abrams
Residents of Region Five are set to benefit from improved access to specialized healthcare services with the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art regional hospital at Bath Settlement.
The project, valued at 6.6 billion dollars, is progressing swiftly, with completion expected by the end of this year or in early 2025.
During a recent site inspection, Ministers of Health and Finance assessed the construction progress, noting that the hospital is approximately 40 percent complete.
The facility promises to provide essential medical care to thousands, reducing the need for long journeys to distant healthcare centers.
Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s timely delivery and adherence to high-quality standards.
He highlighted that the hospital will feature 75 in-patient beds, three operating theatres (including two for major surgeries), a neonatal unit for premature babies, advanced digital diagnostic services, and a cutting-edge laboratory.
The construction is being undertaken by Chinese companies Sinopharm International and China CAMC Engineering Company Limited, as part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare infrastructure across Guyana.
Currently, Region Five operates with two hospitals that lack the capacity for specialized services, often necessitating patient transfers to Georgetown, causing inconvenience and distress for patients and their families.
Once operational, the new hospital will significantly bolster healthcare capabilities in the region, providing comprehensive medical services closer to home for residents.