Today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) signed three separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with several private health agencies to facilitate the rollout of the Government of Guyana’s new Universal Health Vouchers, as well as the continuation of the existing Eye Testing and Spectacles and the Cervical Cancer Screening Care voucher programme. The signing took place in the Ministry’s conference room between Permanent Secretary (PS) Malcolm Watkins and representatives from the respective agencies. The blueprint agreements which strengthen the government’s commitment to expand healthcare access ensure that citizens all across Guyana benefit from comprehensive medical services. Through the Universal Health Vouchers, valued at $10,000, children and adults nationwide will have access to a range of laboratory services, including Complete Blood Film, Lipid Profile, Renal Function Test, HbA1c, and other essential tests. Additionally, individuals under 18 years old and those 50 years and older will benefit from an Eye Testing Voucher valued at $2,000. If prescription eyewear is needed, they can also receive a Spectacles Voucher valued at $15,000 to cover the cost of their glasses. Furthermore, under the Cervical Cancer Screening Care and Voucher Programme, women between the ages of 21 and 45 will be eligible for vouchers valued at GY$8,000 to undergo human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. The PS highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry and the private sector. He noted that this partnership is about more than profit, it is a shared social responsibility to help identify and treat illnesses early thereby ensuring a healthy nation. “The MOH recognised the importance of the strategic partnership with you (private sector), and the role you will play to keep our nation healthy and to be more preventative in identifying critical illnesses, potentially, before they get worse. And so we understand that this partnership is not just about the profit, but it’s about the social responsibility that you have to the community in which you live”, he stated. He also encouraged stakeholders to focus on expanding services in remote areas, urging them to explore innovative ways to transport samples and expand screening services. Watkins reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting these efforts through medical outreaches and other initiatives. Since the launch of the voucher programme in mid-last year, approximately 65,000 people have benefited from the Eye Testing and Spectacles Voucher Programme. Another 12,201 women have received support through the Cervical Cancer Screening Care Voucher Programme. With the continuation of these initiatives and the addition of the Universal Health Voucher, the Government of Guyana anticipates that over 500,000 citizens will benefit. Attendees at the ceremonial signing included the Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Programme, Dr Lachmie Lall; Hinterland Coordinator, Mr Michael Gouveia; and representatives from various private sector agencies.
MoH Permanent Secretary, Mr Malcolm Watkins, signing MOU with service provider representative
MoH Permanent Secretary, Mr Malcolm Watkins, addressing those present at the singing of the MOU