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March 10, 2026
The health sector is preparing to expand kidney care services across the country as the government moves to decentralise nephrology treatment beyond the capital.
The initiative comes as the country observes World Kidney Day, being marked this year under the theme “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet.”
Health officials say demand for dialysis has increased significantly in recent years, placing added pressure on the public healthcare system.
Health Minister Frank Anthony said the government has already begun expanding dialysis capacity at regional hospitals to improve access to care.
“We have already bought about 15 additional dialysis machines that will be placed strategically in some regional hospitals so that we can expand care,” Anthony said, noting that the move is necessary given the growing number of patients requiring treatment.
Currently, many kidney patients must travel long distances to access dialysis and specialist care in Georgetown. Authorities say decentralising services is critical to reducing that burden and ensuring more equitable healthcare access across the regions.
Medical specialists say the existing system is struggling to meet demand. Paediatric nephrologist Dr Bibi Areefa Alladin-Karan said the number of patients requiring dialysis continues to outpace available resources.
“Most of our patients come in very ill and require significant care. They start dialysis, but we do not yet have enough capacity to meet the burden across the country,” she said.
The Ministry of Health said the expansion of nephrology services will also include stronger screening programmes for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are among the leading causes of kidney failure.
Authorities say the long-term plan is to strengthen prevention efforts, improve early detection and expand access to dialysis and transplant care across Guyana’s regional health system.
