GUYANA to strengthen Health Services with IDB Support

By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

#Guyana, December 12, 2022 – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has announced the approval of a US$97 million loan to strengthen Guyana’s healthcare network under a conditional credit line for investment projects (CCLIP).

Under the investment project, Guyana will receive multiple loans that will be used to improve access, quality, and efficiency of health services in the country.

The program will expand the capacity of seven hospitals across the country and extend the coverage of diagnostic exams and medical consultations. It will also increase the efficiency of the public health system by supporting improvements in logistics, management, and processes.

According to the IDB, about 406,000 people, more than half of Guyana’s population are expected to benefit from the project.

In addition, the IDB noted that the investment project will aid Guyana in its plan to digitize its healthcare system and aid in several other improvements.

“As part of the investment project activities, the CCLIP will also finance Guyana’s plans for a digital transformation in health, including the expansion of the tele-radiology and tele-ophthalmology networks.

“Finally, it will strengthen supply chain management, improve the provision of maternal and child health, and contribute to pandemic and emergency preparedness, among other activities,” the financing system said in a recent press release.