For further advancement of health sector $84.8B given in budget

Heavy emphasis has been placed on the health sector by Government in 2023, allocating a mammoth $84B GUY to ensure there is rapid infrastructural development, as well as better access to primary healthcare.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, noted that $1B GUY is allocated for retrofitting health posts and health centres countrywide, while $830M GUY has been earmarked to modernise Bartica Hospital.

In addition, $13.1B GUY was allocated to advance preparatory works on six modern regional hospitals and the Pediatric and Maternity Hospital.

It was disclosed that rehabilitation works will also commence at the Georgetown Public Hospital, New Amsterdam Hospital and Linden Hospital Complex.

Further, an allocation of $1.8B GUY will see the implementation of the telemedicine programme in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine using modern technology to provide real-time medical diagnosis and treatment.

It was noted that the focus will also be placed on rehabilitating health science training facilities in Regions Two and Six, while $2.5 B GUY will be used to purchase medical and non-medical equipment.

As such, emphasis will also be placed on improving supply management, storage capacity and improving storage conditions.

This year over $500M GUY is allocated for the training of healthcare professionals.

It was revealed that among other provisions, $88M GUY was allocated for the procurement of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets to battle malaria.