The construction of the new Lethem Regional Hospital is progressing as the Government moves to expand access to specialised healthcare services for residents of Region Nine. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Sunday said he visited the construction site on Saturday, accompanied by Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Pauline Sukhai; Public Service, Government Efficiency & Implementation Ministry, Zulfikar Ally, Regional Chairperson Vania Albert and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Karl Singh. According to Anthony, the officials reviewed the progress of the project, which is expected to provide a wider range of medical services within the Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). “Healthcare is rising in the Rupununi,” Anthony said in a social media post. He said the new facility will provide expanded emergency care, surgery, modern diagnostic services, maternal and child healthcare and specialist services, reducing the need for residents to travel outside the region for treatment.

“Distance should never determine the quality of healthcare you receive. The new Lethem Regional Hospital will change that,” Anthony said. The $6.5 billion hospital project was officially launched in October 2024, when President Dr Irfaan Ali turned the sod for the facility. At the time, Ali said the hospital would provide Region Nine residents with healthcare services comparable to those available on the coast and reduce the need for patients to travel out of the region to access specialised treatment. The hospital is planned to include two fully functioning operating theatres and a modern emergency department with a procedure room for minor surgeries. Its diagnostic services are expected to include digital X-ray, portable X-ray, a CT scanner and three ultrasound machines. The facility will also provide laboratory services, specialised outpatient clinics, pharmacy services and two dialysis chairs. Additional features announced for the facility include a digital health control room, paediatric unit, intensive care unit (ICU) and maternity wing.

The project forms part of the Government’s wider investment in strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in regions where residents have historically had to travel to the coast for specialised services.