98,500 students to receive free health screenings

About 98,500 students across Guyana are expected to receive free health screenings under Budget 2026, Health Minister Frank Anthony said on Wednesday, as the government defended its spending plans during parliamentary budget debates.
Speaking at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Anthony rejected opposition claims that the budget fails to benefit citizens, saying the allocations are based on evidence-driven planning and targeted interventions already showing results in the health sector.

He said the 2026 budget prioritises human resource development as a key pillar of health system reform, with spending guided by population needs rather than political considerations.
The programme includes expanded preschool assessments and early autism testing, aimed at improving early diagnosis and long-term outcomes for children.

Anthony also highlighted achievements over the past two years, including free eye testing accessed by 175,272 children aged 18 and under and adults aged 50 and over through a government-backed $2,000 voucher, and more than 160,000 people receiving $15,000 vouchers to offset the cost of spectacles.
The health sector has been allocated $161.1 billion in Budget 2026, which Anthony said will support the construction of new hospitals, expanded services and the introduction of digital medical records. The budget also includes a $100,000 Newborn Cash Grant and expanded maternal homes to support mothers and newborns.