As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the delivery of primary health care services across the country, the Ministry of Health today launched a three-day Workshop on Advancing Primary Health Care in Guyana, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
The workshop aims to build capacity among regional and national health leaders as the Ministry works to further strengthen Guyana’s health system at the community level.
Among its main objectives, the training seeks to:
- Reorient regional and national health leadership on the new Primary Health Care (PHC) Agenda.
- Develop a Regional Roadmap for the short- to medium-term implementation of PHC initiatives.
Participants are engaging in discussions and training sessions on a range of key areas, including the Integrated Model of Care and Health Service Delivery Network, Evolution of PHC and Features of a Well-Performing PHC System, Primary Health Care Monitoring Systems at the national level, and the Primary Health Care Delivery Model.
Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertensia Hamilton, noted that significant progress has been achieved over the last five years in strengthening PHC services nationwide.
“The fact that we’ve achieved so much is because everyone understood their role and worked collaboratively toward a shared vision,” Dr Hamilton said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, emphasised the government’s continued commitment to investing in health infrastructure and improving service quality. He shared that the Ministry currently manages approximately 400 health facilities, including health posts and centres, many of which have undergone major upgrades.
“Over the past two years, we have made substantial financial investments to enhance these facilities, upgrading waiting areas, sanitary facilities, and the overall environment to ensure that patients receive care in comfort and dignity,” Dr Anthony stated.
“At this point, there should be no health facility facing major infrastructural challenges. Our focus now is to ensure improved accessibility, functionality, and quality across the network.”
While acknowledging the advancements already made, the Minister reminded participants that there remains much more to be done to continually advance the system and elevate service delivery to meet evolving community needs.
PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana, Dr Eva Dickson, underscored that Primary Health Care remains the foundation of every resilient health system.
“Primary Health Care is the bedrock of community well-being,” Dr Dickson said. “It ensures that essential services, from maternal and child health to immunisation, chronic disease management, and mental health support, are available and accessible to all.”
The workshop underscores the Ministry’s broader vision to make quality health care accessible, people-centred, and community-driven, aligning with Guyana’s national health goals and the global push toward Universal Health Coverage.