Guyana focused on building world-class healthcare system

Guyana, in partnership with the European Union (EU), is exploring sustainable healthcare and pharmaceutical investment opportunities to develop a world-class healthcare system.

In this light, the EU Global Gateway Health and Pharma Investment Mission to Guyana officially opened earlier today at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown and will run until Thursday.

The high-level event brings together representatives from the European Union, the local private sector, and government officials to explore investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships in the health and pharmaceutical sectors.

Today’s agenda included a series of presentations highlighting collaborative initiatives, investment prospects, and strategic development goals aimed at enhancing Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure and industry.

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the initiative is being adapted due to challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This has been a work in progress. It started just after COVID when we saw that during COVID it was very difficult for smaller countries around the world to actually access medical supplies, medication, vaccines. It was a very stressful time. And, when the lockdown came, part of the challenge would have been the disruption of supply chains. So, even if you had resources and you had to get something from one of these developed countries it was very challenging to move it from let’s say Guyana or the rest of the Caribbean. We learnt from that experience and coming out of COVID there were lots of discussions about how do we relocate, maybe manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in countries, or maybe closer to where they need it,” he explained.

Dr Anthony added that this move is likely to minimise the disruption of supply chains.

He noted that the EU has been working closely with Rwanda, hence the country has been able to significantly improve its regulatory authority in terms of producing and distributing medications.

The Health Minister noted that a similar model will be replicated in the Caribbean, with the two leading countries being Guyana and Barbados.

“And so, we’ve had discussions with the EU, and out of those discussions there was an agreement that was signed by the President of the EU along with our President and of course the Prime Minister of Barbados that catalyse this whole movement of trying to develop the manufacturing capacity here in the Caribbean,” he said.

Ambassador of the European Union in Guyana, Rene Van Nes, in delivering remarks, made the promise to bring more European countries to Guyana, as he pointed out that the Health Ministry ensures that there is a healthy investment climate in Guyana.

“In the coming days, you will hear a lot about the incredible investment opportunities that Guyana has to offer. Indeed, it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, where the government matches its ambition with boundless energy and dedication. Government that consistently pursues its policy directions and their policy objectives have centred on energy security, climate security and they have committed themselves to become the regional hub for health services,” he noted.

The first EU mission to Guyana was conducted last November, where there were 25 countries from 12 EU member states participating.

This mission was hailed a success by the EU Ambassador.