Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has made significant gains over the last five years, including the delivery of more than 1,300 surgeries per year and a 95 per cent drug availability rate in the region.
This is according to the Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Cerdell McWatt, a candidate of the PPP/C, during the party’s re-election campaign in Lethem, Region Nine.
Dr McWatt drew comparisons between 2015-2020, when the APNU+AFC held government, and 2020-2025 under the PPP/C government, highlighting marked differences in the level of investments and results between the two periods.
He disclosed that between 2015 and 2020, only three healthcare facilities were developed under the APNU+AFC, compared to all 62 facilities in the region being developed under President Irfaan Ali’s government.
Among those facilities are four new health posts, 12 health centres, and four hospitals.
In examining the improvement in surgical capacity, the RHO said that the region delivered 1,300 surgeries in a year, compared to under 100 during 2015-2020.
Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Cerdell McWatt (Photo: News Room/August 17, 2025)
In relation to referrals, he said that the region had 45 per cent referrals to Boa Vista, Brazil, and another 45 per cent to Georgetown; compared to the current referral rate of 3.7 per cent to Boa Vista.
Under the APNU+AFC government, he explained that there was less than 45 per cent availability of medical supplies, compared to 95 per cent availability of medication presently.
In terms of neonatal services, Dr. McWatt noted that this was never offered between 2015 and 2020. However, 100 per cent of all cases involving babies are now catered for in the region.
Meanwhile, the Lethem Regional Hospital is being upgraded to a 75-bed facility, which will eliminate the need for referrals. The RHO also disclosed that since 2020, an additional 500 healthcare providers from the region have been trained and employed.
Just recently, President Ali announced the establishment of a Faculty of Medicine of the University of Guyana (UG) in Region Nine – a move aimed at expanding both educational and health services to hinterland regions.
“You’ve seen the development, where food security is guaranteed, where education is free, where world-class healthcare is being provided. This is because of the visionary leadership of President Ali and the PPP/C government,” the RHO said as he encouraged residents to support the party at the September 1 elections.
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