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Residents of Essequibo in Region Two will soon have access to a field hospital, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced, following the conclusion of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission.
President Ali made the announcement while hosting U.S. Air Force medical professionals at a closing reception at State House, Main Street, marking the successful completion of the mission.
LAMAT missions are part of a broader health security cooperation initiative led by Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH), integrating U.S. military medical services with host nation providers such as Guyana.
At the reception, President Ali revealed that U.S. SOUTHCOM has donated a field hospital to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), valued at US$1 million.
“The next time you come, we are going to establish that field hospital with all of the services inside in Essequibo,” President Ali told the gathering.
A similar programme will also be rolled out in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to ensure residents there receive the best medical care they can get.
“These are two regions I really want you to go to and to help the people there and work with our enormous local team, and let me say how proud I am of our local team in the healthcare system,” he said.
Over the two-week mission, U.S. military medical professionals worked alongside local hospitals and clinics to deliver specialised care, including primary care, minor surgeries, dental procedures, and ophthalmology care. Technical teams also repaired medical equipment to ensure hospital infrastructure remains sustainable after the mission.
President Ali credited the U.S. with strengthening Guyana’s healthcare system and expanding access to care for thousands of citizens.
“I say on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you to all of you for this mission to Guyana,” he said. “Over the past few days, your work has moved beyond hospitals, health centres, clinics and consultation rooms and into the lives of our people – and that is important.”
He also acknowledged the University of Miami’s support and said his government will finance a training programme for the country’s local health workforce.
“Your work has demonstrated how strengthening health systems is an investment in human well-being, while at the same time, enhancing national security,” he said.
To address gang-related activity, President Ali proposed an initiative for LAMAT mission members to work with the Ministry of Education to help teachers identify high-risk students.
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot also spoke at the reception. Attendees included Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony. (Reworked from DPI)
