Thousands of patients in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) are already benefiting from expanded access to free healthcare services, just months after the opening of the De Kinderen Regional Hospital.
Medical Superintendent Dhanraj Ramnandan recently said the facility, just months into operation, is already seeing a significant number of patients. He said that in just over two months, the outpatient department recorded 6,204 visits, while the emergency department saw 4,343 patients and the specialty clinic treated 5,488.
According to Dr. Ramnandan, the level of usage reflects the impact of the government’s decision to establish the hospital, giving residents in the region access to a wide range of free services. Patients can access screening, kidney function tests, urine analysis, and ultrasounds at no cost, with additional support available through a voucher programme that allows access to private healthcare services when needed.
“Here the residents of region three have an opportunity where healthcare is free, you can come on board have your screening done, at this hospital you can have your kidney function done free of cost, a urine analysis done free of cost, you can have an ultrasound done free of cost, the ministry also has a voucher programme where you can go to the private sector,” Dr Ramnandan said.
He also emphasised the importance of lifestyle changes in maintaining good health, noting that prevention remains a key part of the hospital’s approach to care.
The hospital’s capacity is also being strengthened through collaboration with international partners. The Southern Command Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission team is currently working alongside local healthcare professionals, providing hands-on support and training aimed at improving services and building long-term capability within the facility.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ramnandan said the hospital is preparing to expand its services further, with dialysis treatment expected to be introduced in the coming months, an addition that will significantly enhance care for patients with kidney-related conditions in the region.
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