–commissions the Lima, Regional Hospital
His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali officially commissioned the Lima Regional Hospital on the Essequibo Coast, marking a major milestone in Guyana’s ongoing transformation of public healthcare.
Addressing hundreds of Essequibans gathered for the ceremony, the President described the facility as a symbol of progress and a commitment to delivering modern, accessible medical services across the country.
“The future of healthcare in Essequibo begins now. This afternoon, we are making a statement about that future. We are declaring… that we have chosen transformation as the objective of our public healthcare,” President Ali explained.
The Lima Regional Hospital is one of six new regional hospitals being constructed nationwide. With facilities in Diamond, Enmore, De Kinderen and Bath already commissioned, and the final hospital at Number 75 Village nearing completion, the network represents a significant expansion of Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure.
Purpose-built to meet contemporary medical standards, the Lima facility includes three operating theatres, a specialised birthing suite, a fully equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a High Dependency Unit, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a dialysis unit. It also houses a blood banking facility and a modern laboratory capable of conducting more than 150 diagnostic tests.
Additional infrastructure includes digital X-ray systems, two ultrasound machines, a CT scanner, an oxygen plant and 75 inpatient beds. The hospital offers 24-hour emergency services and pharmacy access, along with dental, ophthalmology and audiology services. Sterilisation facilities and a mortuary are also integrated into the design.
President Ali emphasised that the hospital is not merely a standalone institution but part of a broader ecosystem aimed at delivering world-class healthcare and education in the region. He noted that the facility significantly reduces the need for patients to travel to Georgetown for treatment, bridging longstanding gaps in access.
“There was a time when living far from the capital meant living far from healthcare. That time is coming to an end,” he said.
With telemedicine capabilities built into the hospital’s operations, patients will be able to consult with specialists both locally and internationally, expanding the reach of medical expertise.
The President highlighted the need for modern infrastructure in Guyana. “You cannot put world-class service into old structures designed for another era. This is an era of modern healthcare, with different standards, different regulations, different specifications. That is what this new facility is designed for.”
The President also announced plans to strengthen primary healthcare through community-level investments. A new programme will be launched to provide basic laboratory services at the level of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), promoting preventative care and early detection of common conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. These initiatives aim to reduce hospital admissions and improve long-term health outcomes.
“You will see us investing at the level of the NDC to provide basic lab services… We want you to take care of yourself,” he said.
President Ali reiterated that investments in healthcare represents one of the most meaningful contributions a government can make to its people.
“Oil will run dry, gold will fade, but healthy, educated, empowered citizens will endure. The best wealth we can ever create is health for our people.”
To support the expanding healthcare infrastructure, the government will focus on training 1,200 nurses annually while also upskilling existing medical professionals.
The Ministries of Education and Health are collaborating with internationally accredited institutions to enhance medical education and professional development.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana HE Yang Yang, along with Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, were also present at the commissioning.