Guyana’s healthcare system received a major boost with the opening of the new Diamond Regional Hospital on the East Bank of Demerara. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali led the commissioning ceremony on Sunday evening, declaring the modern facility open to serve over 40,000 residents along the East Bank corridor. The Diamond hospital is a 75-bed, fully equipped institution offering 24/7 emergency care, maternity and neonatal services, surgical theatres, and advanced diagnostic imaging. Built to international medical standards, it is the first of six regional hospitals under construction as part of a GY$37.2 billion health infrastructure drive.
Government officials emphasized that the hospital’s completion – ahead of schedule – represents a landmark in decentralizing health services from Georgetown. President Ali, joined by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, stressed that investments like this are “beyond just infrastructure” – they are investments in human development and equity. “This ensures our women, children, elderly and all alike have treatment not based on income or status… quality, efficient, equitable services,” Ali said, highlighting that the facility will provide world-class care regardless of a patient’s background.
The Diamond hospital was built with support from China’s Sinopharm International, reflecting the government’s strategy of partnering with foreign investors to improve public services. Health officials note that once all six new regional hospitals (spanning Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) are completed, Guyana will be better positioned to meet healthcare needs countrywide and reduce overcrowding at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Community members at the opening expressed excitement that comprehensive care – from CT scans to neonatal intensive units – is now available in their district. The new facility is expected to significantly cut travel time for medical treatment and improve health outcomes on the East Bank.
Region: Demerara-Mahaica (Region 4)
Sources: dpi.gov.gydpi.gov.gy
