Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, today made his contributions in favour of the 2024 Budget and termed the projected and continuing initiatives of the current administration “Transformation in Action”. The honourable member underscored that the budget will undoubtedly, “prioritize the people and create opportunities, bringing in a new era of prosperity for the Guyanese people.”
He further posited that Guyana’s Health care is on the verge of a revolution and in keeping with the mandate of President Irfaan Ali it will soon be of “world-class” standard. Dr Anthony assured the house that this “revolutionization” will be evident in all sectors across the country.
In his presentation, Dr Anthony addressed how the 2024 budgetary allocation will cater to the public health of the Guyanese people, namely services. “Transformation in Action” was today defined as the improvement in the quality of health care provided for women, children, and citizens with life-threatening diseases like diabetes. The 91% increase in salary for staff nurses during the government’s tenure, the training of 1200 nurses yearly, and the projected training of 1000 nursing assistants in the coming years.
The Minister posited that the Ministry of Health acting in accordance with the international goals for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer plaguing the world’s women population intends to do the following; immunize over 41,000 between the ages of 9-15 years old, 62,500 between 16-25 years with two doses each and 94,000 between 26-45 years old with three doses each, with the HPV vaccine. He further stated that 52,000 women will be screened for cervical cancer, utilizing VIA’s and Pap Smears, as well as adequate treatment ranging from surgeries to therapy.
Among the actions of transformation, the Guyanese populace will see the construction of 13 new hospitals, eight of which are currently under construction, more Neonatal units, and eye care programs that will detect “lazy eye”, “cross-eye” and nearsightedness. There will also be the introduction of Telemedicine to Guyana.