Guyana’s first fully-automated histopathology laboratory opened at the Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital here on Saturday.
According to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Madhu Singh, about US$3 million to $3.5 million were invested in the equipment and facilities.
Singh told reporters that the histopathology laboratory, in particular, is set to benefit practically all of the patients seeking medical care from the privately-owned hospital since its services promise more accurate, timely diagnoses to the hundreds of patients that receive care daily.
Speaking at the launching ceremony held at the hospital on Saturday, Singh said the hospital’s integration of newer technologies helps to bring modern services, akin to those offered in developed nations, to Guyana.
“It will revolutionise the way we approach diagnostics and testing,” she said.
A histopathology laboratory offers numerous services including assessments of the heart, chest pains and other internal concerns. It also has the ability to improve cancer diagnosis and care.
In addition, a 128-slice CT scanner will allow healthcare professionals to get better quality, three-dimensional (3D) images of a patient as opposed to the average CT scanner.
According to President, Dr Irfaan Ali, such investments in much-needed, specialised medical services are helping to position Guyana “ahead of the game”.
The Head of State said the investments stem from a carefully-crafted plan of his government to stimulate investments in private healthcare locally.
That plan includes tax breaks and other incentives for investments in healthcare, the modernisation of laws governing the field and training large tranches of healthcare workers to satisfy local needs and demands.
He noted that private companies, like the Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital, are responsive to the policy direction and emphasis placed on improving local healthcare.
“We made it very clear that the public healthcare system must support the private sector…(and) the private healthcare must be able to deliver specialised care.
“When we get to this level of healthcare, we are no longer saying healthcare for Guyanese, it must attract international traffic,” President said.
Source: https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/georgetown-hospital-benefits-multi-million-dollar-investment
