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Empowering Healthcare: Strategies and Collaborations for Transformative Change in Guyana

SpeakerS:

Dr. Brendan Carr, CEO, Mount Sinai Health System
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, Co-operative Republic of Guyana
John B. Hess, Chief Executive Officer, Hess Corporation
Dr. Rachel Vreeman, Chair and Professor, Department of Global Health and Health System Design; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Arnhold Institute for Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

With Lead Programming Partner

“From day one, I said to Mount Sinai: this is not a one-way street. If you're working with us, at the end of this relationship, you must be willing to say that I am ready to attach my name, my brand, to the quality of product that you're delivering. And that is the test.” H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
“But the greatest resource in the country when you go there are the people, and providing them affordable and really world-class health care is, I think, fundamental to the country's development.” John B. Hess
“In less than a year, this first year of implementation, they've managed to screen 70% of the eligible nursery school students. That's an incredible feat. I've been working in child health globally for more than 20 years. I've never seen a program scale up across an entire country like this so quickly.” Dr. Rachel Vreeman
“I'm a health policy guy, and that was a master class on how it is clarity of vision. We could use a little bit more of that more frequently in our lives.” Dr. Brendan Carr

Key takeaways:

  • Transformative vision for a world-class healthcare ecosystem: President Ali emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem in Guyana that focuses on proactive health measures rather than reactive care, addressing primary health issues, and ensuring efficient healthcare services. 
  • Strategic public-private partnerships: The collaboration between the Government of Guyana, Mount Sinai Health System, and Hess Corporation has been pivotal in accelerating healthcare transformation by leveraging public and private sector strengths to build infrastructure and implement innovative solutions.  
  • Investment in technology and digital infrastructure: Embracing technology and digitization is central to Guyana’s healthcare strategy, including developing data systems, digital health infrastructure, and creating comprehensive health databases for citizens from birth to enhance preventative care and track health outcomes. 
  • Focus on health workforce development: Training healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, IT specialists, and clinical informatics professionals, is crucial for sustainability and meeting future healthcare demands.
  • Healthcare as a measure of prosperity and regional development: Access to quality healthcare is seen as a fundamental aspect of prosperity, alongside education, infrastructure, and security, benefiting Guyana and the wider CARICOM region. 
  • Accelerated progress through collaborative efforts: The partnership has enabled the rapid implementation of necessary legislation, regulations, and standards, achieving in months what might have otherwise taken years through coordinated efforts and a shared vision.

Action items:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive healthcare strategy: Continue refining the clearly defined strategy for the healthcare system, ensuring it addresses current needs and is adaptable for future challenges. 
  • Enhance data systems and digital health infrastructure: Invest in building robust data systems, health information technology, and digital infrastructure to support proactive healthcare delivery and track population health metrics. 
  • Expand workforce training and development programs: Scale up training programs for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, IT specialists, and informatics experts, to build capacity and expertise within the country. 
  • Strengthen public-private partnerships: Leverage the strengths of partnerships with organizations like Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation to access expertise, resources, and support for ongoing healthcare initiatives. 
  • Focus on preventative care and early intervention: Implement programs that prioritize primary healthcare, early detection, and preventative measures to reduce the need for hospital-based care and improve overall population health.
  • Engage in regional collaboration: Extend healthcare improvements to benefit the wider CARICOM region, promoting regional prosperity and sharing best practices in healthcare delivery. 
  • Monitor and evaluate progress: Establish mechanisms to regularly assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies, allowing for adjustments and continuous improvement in the healthcare system. 

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