The new Diamond Regional Hospital was officially commissioned on Sunday evening, marking a landmark achievement in Guyana’s healthcare development. The modern facility is designed to serve over 40,000 residents along the East Bank corridor, providing enhanced access to quality medical services and much-needed relief for the region.
The inauguration ceremony was led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, accompanied by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet ministers, health officials, and members of the public. Built to meet stringent Chinese, British, and American medical standards, the hospital features 75 inpatient beds, three state-of-the-art operating theatres, and advanced diagnostic equipment including CT scanners, digital X-rays, and ultrasound machines.
Addressing attendees, President Ali emphasized the hospital’s significance beyond its physical structure: “This is not just about a building. It’s about dignity, equity, and life itself. We are investing in people.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare services at the new facility will be accessible to all, regardless of income or social standing, reinforcing the principle of equitable medical care.
Developed in partnership with China’s Sinopharm International, the Diamond Regional Hospital is a key component of a comprehensive $37.2 billion national health infrastructure program. This initiative also encompasses the construction of new hospitals in Lima, De Kinderen, Enmore, Bath, Skeldon, and other locations. President Ali highlighted that these facilities will form part of an integrated, future-ready health system aimed at standardizing care delivery nationwide.
Complementing infrastructure investments, the government is prioritizing medical education and training. Over the next five years, more than 6,000 nurses will be trained, supported by newly established nursing schools in Regions Two, Six, and Ten.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony reflected on the legacy of the former Diamond hospital, which served the community for 18 years but was increasingly inadequate to meet the growing healthcare demands. “This new facility ensures that people on the East Bank have access to the best care possible,” he remarked.
The commissioning event was also attended by Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang, Sinopharm Vice President Yan Hailu, and Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Malcolm Watkins. Beyond the East Bank, significant hospital construction and upgrades are underway in Moruca, Kamarang, Kato, Lethem, Bartica, Linden, and West Demerara.
With ongoing investments in electronic health records, AI-powered diagnostics, and robotic surgery, Guyana is positioning itself as a regional healthcare hub. President Ali reaffirmed the
government’s objective to commission 12 new hospitals by 2028, extending quality healthcare services to Guyana’s population and the wider Caribbean region.
