Modern $201.8M Charlestown Health Centre opens, bringing quality healthcare closer to thousands

The Government of Guyana on Friday commissioned the newly constructed Charlestown Health Centre (No. 1 Dispensary), a modern healthcare facility valued at approximately G$201.8 million, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services and improving access to quality medical care for citizens.

This health centre is expected to serve approximately 2000 residents, providing comprehensive primary healthcare services in a modern and patient-friendly environment.

The commissioning ceremony was led by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Steven Jacobs, Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, regional health officials, healthcare workers and members of the community.

In his feature address, Dr Anthony highlighted that the Ministry of Health currently manages 405 health facilities across Guyana, including 10 facilities in Georgetown, many of which require significant rehabilitation and modernisation.

“We recognised that many of these facilities had infrastructural challenges and were not adequately equipped to provide the quality of care that patients deserve. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to modern, high-quality healthcare services, and that is why we continue to upgrade health facilities across the country,” the Minister said.

He explained that the Charlestown Health Centre was completely rebuilt to provide a wider range of healthcare services in a modern setting. The facility houses dedicated spaces for maternal and child health, antenatal and postnatal care, childhood immunisation, chronic disease management, men’s and women’s health services, cervical cancer screening, HPV testing and other essential primary healthcare services.

Minister Anthony emphasised the importance of maintaining Guyana’s strong immunisation programme, noting that high vaccination coverage continues to protect children from preventable diseases. He urged parents to continue ensuring that their children receive all recommended vaccines.

He also highlighted the Ministry’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme, describing it as a critical component of Guyana’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.

“Cervical cancer is currently the second most common cancer affecting women in Guyana, but it is preventable. By increasing HPV vaccination coverage among boys and girls between the ages of nine and fifteen, we can eliminate cervical cancer from our country,” Dr Anthony stated.

The Minister encouraged women to utilise the facility’s dedicated screening services, including HPV testing and Pap smears, stressing that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer.

Addressing the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases, Dr Frank Anthony urged residents, particularly men, to seek routine medical check-ups instead of waiting until illnesses become severe.

He explained that conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can be effectively managed when detected early, preventing serious complications including kidney failure, amputations, blindness and stroke.

“The services are available here in your community. We want people to come early, get screened, receive treatment if necessary and prevent complications before they occur,” he said.

The Health Minister further explained that the upgraded facility is designed to function as more than a traditional primary healthcare clinic by offering a broader range of services closer to home while reducing unnecessary visits to hospitals. Patients requiring specialised care will be referred to hospitals through an integrated referral system.

He also announced that the Ministry has begun piloting a digital appointment system at the Festival City Health Centre. Through a mobile application, patients can schedule appointments at their convenience, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency.

The Ministry intends to expand this initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to modernise healthcare delivery.