Region Three to get $11.4B state-of-the-art hospital

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Friday turned the sod for the state-of-the-art $11.4 billion West Demerara Hospital, ushering in a new era of healthcare in Region Three.

The new hospital will feature over 150 beds, four operating theatres, intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal and paediatric ICUs, and advanced diagnostics, including MRI and CT scans, to provide patients with cutting-edge medical care. Additionally, the wards will be designed to ensure privacy for all patients.

President Ali stated that the ongoing transformation in the healthcare sector is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of life and overall well-being of every citizen.

This medical institution will mark a complete overhaul of healthcare services in the region, building on significant progress already made. The current West Demerara Regional Hospital has served the region for 79 years, and with this new development, the government is taking further steps to enhance healthcare delivery in the area.

“In the outpatient department, we will have endoscopy, an ear, nose, and throat clinic, dermatology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, dialysis, gynecology, ECG, ultrasound, and cardiology. In digital imaging, we will have MRI and CT scanning. All of these services will be available at this new hospital,” President Ali disclosed.

He noted that Region Three residents currently travel to Georgetown for specialised diagnostic procedures. However, once the new facility is operational, patients will be able to undergo immediate evaluations and life-saving procedures, such as stent replacements, without having to leave the region.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony emphasised that healthcare improvements are not limited to Region Three. He highlighted the government’s plans to construct hospitals in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

“We are now going beyond the manifesto—far beyond. That is why you are seeing these types of transformational projects happening. We are going to change how we deliver healthcare and the quality of care for our people, and it’s going to make a huge difference,” Minister Anthony stated.

In addition, a state-of-the-art Maternal and Child Health institution is under construction at Ogle, along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), along with a new hospital in Region Six. (DPI)