Bartica breaks ground on hospital that promises better care closer to home

The sod was officially turned on Saturday for the construction of a new regional hospital in Bartica, a major step toward improving healthcare access for residents in the hinterland.

The facility, which will cost approximately $6.8 billion, will be constructed on a 10-acre site at Five Miles and is expected to be completed within two years and six months.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, said the project forms part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s healthcare system following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If COVID did not allow us to recognise the challenges that we can have, when help does not work, then nothing would help us to bring us to that realisation,” he said.

He added that the government has been working to expand healthcare infrastructure across the country.

“When we talk about progress, this is what we’re talking about. Tangible things where people can benefit from these things.”

The new hospital will include a 24-hour accident and emergency unit, diagnostic services such as digital X-ray, ultrasound and CT scanning, and a laboratory capable of conducting more than 100 tests. It will also house two operating theatres, a maternity unit, dental and hearing services, speech therapy, and approximately 50 inpatient beds.

Minister Anthony also highlighted previous investments in the sector.

“And if you fast forward, in the last 5 years, you would have seen that we have built close to 25 health centres and health posts across this country.”

He noted that six regional hospitals were also completed and commissioned in 2025 as part of the government’s broader expansion programme.

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, said the new facility fulfils a commitment made to residents and represents a more practical solution after earlier plans were revised.

Mayor of Bartica, Anthony Murray, described the project as a major step forward for the community.

“This is more than just a start of a construction project. It is a foundation of hope, improve healthcare, and better quality for people,” he said.

The project is being executed by China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd..

Once completed, the hospital is expected to significantly reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for medical care, bringing modern healthcare services closer to communities across Region Seven.