Guyana’s public spending on health was 4.6 per cent of GDP in 2011, equivalent to US$200 per capita. In the most recent survey, conducted between 1997 and 2010, there were 21 doctors, and 53 nurses and midwives per 100,000 people.
Additionally, in the period 2007-12, 92 per cent of births were attended by qualified health staff and in 2012, 99 per cent of oneyear olds are immunised with one dose of measles. In 2011, 95 per cent of people were using an improved drinking water source and 84 per cent had access to adequate sanitation facilities.
Health and medical care in Guyana is provided by both public and private suppliers. The public health care system is highly decentralised and is administered through the Regional Democratic Councils and Regional Health Authorities, with ministerial oversight vested in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. Public health care is primarily financed by the government, but contributions from the donor community also play a part. The Ministry of Health plays a central role in advising and co-ordinating public health care organisations, ensuring that public health services are developing in line with the government’s National Health Plan. The Public Hospital at Georgetown is Guyana’s national referral hospital. There are some 30 hospitals and many health centres throughout the country, with both public and private care available, the former usually free. The private health care sector operates independently but is subject to regulations ensuring standards of care and practice. There is significant involvement of NGOs in service delivery related to HIV/AIDS. A small pharmaceutical industry exists in the country producing a range of medicines, including antiretroviral treatments for HIV.
The most recent act of parliament relating to mental health in Guyana is the Mental Health Ordinance (1930). There are 0.3 mental health outpatient facilities and 0.5 psychiatric beds in general hospitals per 100,000 people (2011).
