Anthony unveils plans to boost security at National Psychiatric Hospital

HEALTH MINISTER DR FRANK ANTHONY TODAY UNVEILED A MENU OF
MEASURES to boost security at the National Psychiatric Hospital in East Berbice/Corentyne
(Region Six) following a series of incidents including recent fires started by patients.
“We have been in contact with the police, and so, we have a stronger police presence now at the
facility. Especially, where we are holding those persons, whose cases are still in court”, Dr.
Anthony explained.

Increased police presence was warranted after a fire of unknown origin early this month
threatened the institution and patients housed there. Several of them escaped, but were later
recaptured. In June, following an altercation among three male patients, the hospital was set
alight and patients also escaped. They too were recaptured.
“The buildings that were burnt…by persons who were inside. They set the building on fire, and
they did that so that the doors can be opened and some of them can escape,” Minister Anthony
said.
He said some $26M is currently being invested to help restore the institution to provide better
living conditions for its patients.
The National Psychiatric Hospital as a mental health institution, is the only one of its kind,
which provides services to persons diagnosed with mental illnesses in Guyana.