Press Releases

On Saturday, January 17th, 2025, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) officially launched its Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at the Festival City Polyclinic, marking a historic step in modernizing healthcare in Guyana. The event drew a wide audience, including the Minister of Health, GPHC CEO, doctors in charge, patients, residents, and key hospital officials, reflecting the significance of this milestone for both the local community and the nation.

A Vision Becomes Reality

The launch represents more than a new system; it is the fulfillment of a national vision. It demonstrates the Government of Guyana’s commitment to transforming public services through digital innovation, enhancing efficiency, strengthening institutions, and improving the lives of citizens.

At the heart of this vision is a clear promise: accessible, modern, and world-class healthcare for every Guyanese. By introducing the EHR system, GPHC is ensuring that public health services are responsive today and ready for the future. The Festival City Polyclinic has been chosen as the pilot site, symbolizing the beginning of a nationwide rollout to unify all public health facilities under a single digital network.

One Patient, One Record

The EHR system is patient-centered, built around the principle of “One patient, one record.” This means that wherever a patient seeks care within the public health system, their medical history follows them securely and accurately, allowing for timely, precise, and effective care.

For patients, this translates to:

• Faster service and reduced waiting times
• Confidence that medical records are complete and accurate
• Digital access to their prescriptions and test results

For healthcare professionals, it provides:

• Instant access to patient histories
• Improved coordination and multidisciplinary care
• Enhanced decision-making capabilities

For administrators and policymakers, the system offers:

• Reliable, real-time data for planning and resource allocation
• Better documentation and reporting
• A stronger, more integrated healthcare network

Addressing Challenges and Reducing Costs

Before the EHR, patients often experienced repeated tests when referred between specialties such as ECGs, CT scans, or blood work, often leading to frustration, delays, and additional costs. Now, all diagnostic results, lab reports, and prescriptions are accessible across specialties, reducing duplication and enabling more coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Patients can even share their medical records digitally if visiting doctors outside the GPHC system, ensuring continuity of care wherever they go.

The Journey to Digital Transformation

The introduction of the EHR reflects years of strategic planning and investment. Since 2022, GPHC has invested heavily in:

· Network infrastructure, switches, computers, and access points
· Digital lab information systems developed with international partners
· Imaging systems such as PACS for CT scans

Prior to this launch, medical records were fragmented across multiple systems in various clinics, making integration a complex task. Extensive process mapping, customization, and staff training were necessary to create a seamless system designed for accuracy, efficiency, and patient safety.

In October 2025, online appointment booking was launched, allowing patients to schedule consultations from anywhere at any time, reducing waiting periods and improving the patient experience.

A Historic Milestone for Guyana’s Health System

The Honourable Minister of Health described the launch as a historic achievement and the realization of a long-held national ambition. He emphasized the urgency of digital health reform, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when compiling national health data manually caused delays in critical decision-making.

The Minister highlighted several key benefits of the EHR system:

· Patients can now be seen closer to their appointed time, with records accessible instantly
· Doctors can document care electronically, with prescriptions flowing directly to pharmacies
· Lab results and imaging studies are uploaded digitally, eliminating repeat visits or lost reports
· Strong legal protections ensure patient privacy under the Data Protection Act

This launch is part of a broader national effort to modernize Guyana’s healthcare sector, which includes:

· The opening of six new hospitals in a single year, with more under construction
· Upgrading polyclinics and hospitals nationwide
· Conversion to digital X-ray systems and integration of AI in medical imaging
· Expansion of screening and preventive health programs, particularly for children

“These initiatives are not just about treating illness,” the Minister said. “We are building a system focused on prevention, early detection, and longer, healthier lives.”

Acknowledging the Teams Behind the Launch

The successful implementation of the EHR is the result of dedicated teamwork and collaboration. GPHC recognized the contributions of Dr. Jermaine Hatton, a medical doctor who guided the integration of clinical workflows, Dr. Amitraj Persaud, who mobilized teams to champion the cause, Patti from Mount Sinai and Hal from RioMed Limited and team for their technical support. GPHC also acknowledged the commitment of nurses, administrative staff, IT specialists, project leads, developers, and partners, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

A New Era in Healthcare

The Festival City Polyclinic now stands at the forefront of Guyana’s digital health revolution, demonstrating how technology and compassionate care can work together to provide world-class healthcare for every patient. This launch signals the beginning of a new chapter, where patient-centered care, innovation, and efficiency define the public health system. It is a promise kept to every Guyanese: that they will receive healthcare that is modern, reliable, and accessible, today and into the future.