The sod was turned today for the construction of a $708.6 million polyclinic at Industry, East Coast Demerara, that will serve not only Industry but also surrounding communities.
The modern facility will replace the existing Industry Health Centre and is expected to serve thousands of residents from the community and neighbouring villages when completed in July 2026.
The project will be executed by Satar Mohamed and Sons Construction and Hardware Supplies, with Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services as the consultancy firm. It forms part of the government’s broader efforts to expand and modernise Guyana’s healthcare sector.
Doctor-in-charge of the Industry Health Centre, Dr Saskia Sertimer, said the new facility will significantly expand the range of primary healthcare services offered in the area. Planned services include X-ray, ultrasound, dentistry and physiotherapy, providing residents with access to diagnostics and treatments that previously required travel to larger facilities.
Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Robbie Rambarran, under whose management the current facility falls, noted that specialised lung care services may also be introduced. He explained that the existing health centre sees about 2,100 patients every month and has undergone several expansions over the years to cope with growing demand. However, the limitations of the current infrastructure made the construction of a new polyclinic necessary.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who attended the ceremony, said the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare nationwide. He highlighted that significant investments are being made in new health facilities, such as the Paediatric and Maternal Hospital being constructed along the Ogle Corridor, the digitalisation of patient health records, training, and medical equipment to ensure services are available closer to where people live.
Construction is expected to proceed swiftly, with the facility scheduled to be operational by July 2026, providing a modern hub for healthcare delivery on the East Coast corridor.
