Latest update April 3rd, 2026 12:35 AM
Health sector gets $161.1B in 2026 Budget
…drug supply and delivery account for bulk of allocation
(Kaieteur News) – Some $161.1 billion has been allocated to the health sector in the 2026 national budget, with a significant portion earmarked for the supply and delivery of drugs, as well as major infrastructural and technological upgrades.
The allocation was announced by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during his budget presentation on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
Of the total allocation, $34.9 billion has been set aside specifically for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies, making it the single largest expenditure within the sector. The overall allocation represents a slight adjustment from the $136.6 billion allocated to the health sector in the 2025 national budget.
Minister of Health, Frank Anthony
During his presentation, Dr. Singh said the increased investment is aimed at advancing the modernisation of Guyana’s healthcare system and strengthening technological capacity, with the goal of achieving a “world-class, science-driven, equitable and patient-centred health system.”
He outlined that construction and upgrades across several health facilities will continue in 2026, including progress on the paediatric and maternity hospital and the six regional hospitals at Moruca, West Demerara, New Amsterdam, Bartica, Kato, and Lethem.
Additionally, upgrades will be undertaken at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), along with the completion of the polyclinics at Campbellville and Industry, and other critical infrastructural improvements.
Dr. Singh also announced that construction will commence this year on the National Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, which he said will provide specialised clinical care and long-term management for patients with brain injuries, including stroke, head and spinal cord injuries, and neuromuscular disorders. Plans are also in place for the construction of a modern oncology centre, designed to deliver comprehensive, patient-centred cancer care.
In terms of medical equipment and technology, the government has budgeted $3.1 billion for expansion and upgrades. This includes the installation of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, an additional Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, and a Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at GPHC.
Further investments include the installation of 50 additional telemedicine sites to improve access to specialised healthcare services in remote communities, as well as the integration of AI-supported diagnostic systems to enhance clinical decision-making and overall quality of care.
Addressing the drug supply system, Dr. Singh said the government continues to prioritise timely and adequate access to medication.
“The timely and adequate delivery of drugs is essential to ensuring quality care to the people,” he stated.
To this end, the government has budgeted $34.9 billion for the supply and delivery of drugs and medical supplies, which includes the construction of five regional drug distribution centres in Mabaruma, Onderneeming, Williamsburg, Lethem, and Bamia, and the modernisation of the drug supply chain through advanced warehousing, inventory tracking, and medication dispensing systems.
With respect to the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, Dr Singh disclosed that full implementation at GPHC is expected within the first half of 2026, supported by a budgetary allocation of $764 million.
He further revealed that preparations are underway for a major overhaul of the Emergency Medical System (EMS), including the operationalisation of a new Guyana Medical Emergency Authority (GEMA), for which more than $3.7 billion has been budgeted.
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