His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, today officially commissioned the state-of-the-art $6.6B Lima Regional Hospital, in Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam), a milestone hailed as the beginning of a regional health care revolution.
The newly commissioned $6.6B Lima Regional Hospital on the Essequibo Coast
Addressing a large gathering of medical professionals, community members, regional officials, and international partners, President Ali declared that the facility represents “a quantum leap” in healthcare, underscoring a bold national agenda to create a world-class, equitable, and community-centred health system.
“We are not talking about incremental change. We are talking about a quantum leap in health care,” said President Ali. “This is not about plastering over old cracks. It’s about building strong, impregnable foundations for the future.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, stated that the Lima Regional Hospital is one of the most advanced medical facilities ever constructed on the Essequibo Coast. It is outfitted with:
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and medical staff of the new hospital unveil the plaque at the commissioning ceremony.
- Three fully equipped operating theatres
- Specialised maternity suite, Neonatal Care Intensive Unit (NICU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and High Dependency Unit (HDU)
- Dialysis unit with 12 chairs, the first in the region
- Blood bank and laboratory capable of over 150 tests
- Digital imaging: CT scans, x-rays, ultrasound
- Mammography services for early breast cancer detection
- Dental, ophthalmology, and audiology departments
- On-site oxygen generation plant
- 24-hour emergency department and pharmacy
- 75 air-conditioned inpatient beds with private amenities and nurse call systems
The facility also includes support services such as a mortuary, sterilisation unit, food services, and laundry.
The new hospital delivers several “firsts” for the Essequibo Coast including, public a Computed Tomography (CT) scan machine, a fully equipped ICU and HDU, mammography services and a digital health system in the region.
These advancements eliminate the need for long-distance referrals to Georgetown for critical diagnostics and treatment, ushering in a new era of accessible, high-quality care.
President Ali emphasised that the commissioning of the Lima Regional Hospital marks just the beginning of a broader, transformative overhaul of Guyana’s national healthcare system. Central to this vision is the integration of modern technology and infrastructure with equitable, patient-centred service deliver across all regions.
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana delivering, the feature address at the commissioning of the new Lima Regional Hospital
A key pillar of the President’s agenda is the rollout of digital health and telemedicine solutions. This includes the launch of electronic health records to replace outdated paper-based systems, and the establishment of more telemedicine sites, allowing patients, even in remote communities, to access consultations from specialists in Georgetown and internationally.
Equally important is the renewed focus on primary health care at the community level. Investments will be made in local health centres to provide essential screenings for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. By prioritising early detection and prevention, the government aims to reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals and improve health outcomes across the population.
In recognition of the critical role of human resources, President Ali outlined a robust plan for human capital development. This includes training 1,200 nurses annually and expanding educational capacity in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and laboratory science. To support this effort, a new Medical College campus of the University of Guyana will be established in Essequibo, enabling more regional students to pursue healthcare careers.
To enhance emergency preparedness and response, the administration will implement a centralised, electronically tracked emergency system. This system will integrate ambulances operating on both road and river, enabling swift responses to medical emergencies across all terrains.
Looking toward the future, President Ali also highlighted plans to incorporate advanced medical innovations, including robotic-assisted surgeries. These procedures would be conducted with real-time remote support from international medical experts, placing Guyana at the forefront of surgical technology in the region.
The President also underscored the importance of recognising and incentivising health professionals who demonstrate exceptional service and commitment. By offering meaningful rewards and career growth opportunities, the government aims to retain top talent and build a resilient, motivated healthcare workforce.
“Just as you cannot fit modern engines into donkey carts, you cannot fit 21st-century medicine into 20th-century buildings,” the President said. “We are building a system where referrals become rare exceptions, not the norm.”
Dr. Anthony praised the facility as both a beacon of progress and a fulfilled promise made under President Ali’s leadership.
“This hospital embodies equity and is a concrete step in our journey toward a world-class healthcare system accessible to all Guyanese,” Dr. Anthony stated. “We cut a ribbon today, but we open the door to dignity, opportunity, and life-saving care.”
Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, receives the key for the new Lima Regional Hospital from Representative of CAMCE.
The hospital is not only an investment in infrastructure but also in people. Hundreds of jobs were created during construction, and the facility will continue to provide professional opportunities for Registered Nurses and Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Assistants, Pharmacy and Laboratory Technicians and Specialist Doctors in multiple fields.
In closing, President Ali reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable health care:
“We must set a new standard of care, one that ensures every Guyanese is treated promptly, with dignity, and with urgency. Our people deserve nothing less.”