His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana this evening officially commissioned the $6.6B state-of-the-art Diamond Regional Hospital, a landmark facility designed to deliver world-class healthcare services to thousands of Guyanese residents. Built to meet Chinese, British, and American healthcare standards, the hospital reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to modernising Guyana’s healthcare system and expanding equitable access to quality medical care for all citizens.
The hospital, located along the rapidly developing East Bank corridor, features 75 beds, 24-hour emergency and laboratory services, state-of-the-art imaging technologies (including CT scans, digital X-rays, and ultrasound), and three surgical theatres. It also houses specialised care units such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), neonatal care, and outpatient clinics for internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, ophthalmology, audiology, and dentistry.
President Ali highlighted the hospital as a significant investment in the people of Guyana, part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare delivery, increase life expectancy, and ensure every citizen can access efficient, comfortable, and high-quality medical services. The initiative also includes substantial salary increases and benefits for healthcare workers as part of efforts to retain skilled professionals within the country.
“This is more than just a hospital, it is part of a transformative vision for healthcare in Guyana. It stands as a symbol of our dedication to equity, quality, and innovation in the health sector,” President Ali stated.
He further emphasised the role of women in the healthcare workforce and the integration of cutting-edge technology as key components of the sector’s advancement.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, outlined the strategic rationale behind the facility’s location, citing the rapid growth in housing and business along the East Bank, where over 40,000 residents were previously underserved by modern healthcare infrastructure.
He stressed that the hospital is designed not only to address current healthcare needs but also to prepare for future challenges, including the management of non-communicable diseases and potential pandemics.
The facility is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region, creating employment opportunities and attracting medical talent. A trained workforce, comprising nursing assistants, patient care staff, and specialists is already in place, alongside a leadership team overseeing key departments such as emergency care, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
The Diamond Regional Hospital represents a pivotal step in the government’s long-term healthcare development strategy, aiming to build an interconnected, inclusive, and responsive health system that meets the needs of all regions and communities across Guyana.
Also in attendance at the commissioning ceremony were Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Malcolm Watkins; along with other Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior officials from the Ministry of Health.
Hon. Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health speaking at the commissioning of the Diamond Regional Hospital
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is joined by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony; Vice President of CAMCE, Mr. Yan Hailu; and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Yang Yang, for the official unveiling of the plaque at the Diamond Regional Hospital.