$2B Suddie hospital upgrade to see 250+ beds, ICU

By Vishani Ragobeer

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The Suddie hospital along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam) is set to receive significant upgrades to the tune of GY $2 billion, enabling residents of the region to access better healthcare.

The upgrade of the hospital is being funded by a loan received from India and it will see the hospital getting a new building, replete with some 258 beds, a fully equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an X-ray machine and a CT-scanner. This upgrade should be completed in 2023.

And, President Dr. Irfaan Ali was part of the contingent that turned the sod for the much-needed facility on Friday during his cabinet outreach to the region.

“What is happening today is part of a national modernisation of the architecture of the healthcare system,” the President told the gathering of healthcare workers and residents of Region Two.

He explained that it is the government’s intention to provide world class healthcare services to citizens everywhere. And, he even acknowledged that disparities in accessing healthcare do exist but he hastened to add that this is a gap that must be filled.

Building on his point of bridging the inequalities in the healthcare system, the Head of State said this hospital will not only serve residents along the Essequibo Coast but that it will also be part of a network of facilities in the region.

In addition to the populated and more easily accessible Essequibo Coast, Region Two comprises some riverain and satellite communities. These communities typically have basic healthcare facilities, requiring residents to travel far distances for specialised care.

But, the President posited that the local health authorities will create this connection with those facilities and the Suddie hospital to ensure that these services are much more accessible to more people. Thereby, it is envisioned that people will have much less need to travel to the coast, to Georgetown, for example.

The President was also apprised of the need for more midwives, nurses and doctors in the region and promised that this additional personnel will soon be posted to the region.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said that with the rollout of specialised health services provided with the hospital’s upgrade, specialised healthcare personnel would be employed too.

“When this new facility is built, we will have all the people capable of doing the surgeries and all the things that we want to do here,” the Health Minister said.

Dr Anthony also highlighted that other regions and communities will benefit from upgrades. These include Leonora, Mabaruma, Lethem and Paramakatoi.