Facility will provide specialised outpatient care for stroke survivors and people living with neurological conditions

Guyana is investing $55 million in its first Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, a specialised outpatient facility expected to improve recovery and independence for stroke survivors and people living with neurological conditions.

Construction began with a sod-turning ceremony on October 16 at Industry, East Coast Demerara. The centre is expected to be completed and commissioned by the end of 2027.

The facility will provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, medical support and psychosocial services to help patients regain mobility, improve communication and manage everyday activities.

It will cater to people recovering from strokes and those living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said the centre would help address the needs of stroke patients, many of whom experience lasting effects on their mobility and independence.

“We know that in our country, we have been experiencing a lot of people who would have high blood pressure, and sometimes if they don't take care of it, they can end up with a stroke. And this centre is also intended to help those persons with stroke to help them to bring them to full recovery,” he said.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, making its effective management important in preventing serious complications.

Meanwhile, Director of Rehabilitation and Disabilities Services Dr. Ariane Mangar said the centre would strengthen the country’s capacity to deliver specialised rehabilitation and improve patient outcomes.

“This will help us to treat those patients and definitely get better outcomes, and then the patients will have a better quality of life. That's our aim,” she said.

The centre will complement existing rehabilitation services across Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, working alongside regional rehabilitation departments to support continuity of care closer to patients’ homes.

The investment forms part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to expand rehabilitation services and improve support for people living with disabilities and those recovering from illnesses that affect neurological functioning.

Beyond treatment, the facility is expected to help patients regain independence where possible while easing some of the challenges faced by families and caregivers.