The Ministry of Health has successfully concluded a three-year International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mammography Project aimed at reducing the burden of breast cancer and strengthening diagnostic capacity across Guyana. The milestone was marked with a comprehensive training and closing session held on December 9, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the country.
The closing exercise assembled radiologists, surgeons, physicians, medical imaging technologists, X-ray technicians, regional health officers, medical superintendents and hospital chief executive officers from facilities in Lethem, Suddie on the Essequibo Coast, Linden and New Amsterdam Hospital in Berbice. The New Amsterdam Hospital, which hosted the event, is currently the only facility in Guyana equipped with tomosynthesis technology for advanced breast imaging. Staff from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the country’s national referral centre, also participated to ensure standardized training and effective utilization of mammography and tomosynthesis services nationwide.
Participants received detailed orientation on the use of mammography and tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening and diagnosis, marking the culmination of a multi-phase national initiative. The project was underpinned by the establishment of Guyana’s Radiation Safety and Security Act of 2023, the result of an eight-year effort that created a comprehensive regulatory framework for radiation safety and oversight.
Following the installation of equipment, one-week application training sessions were conducted at each site by German medical technology manufacturer Siemens. These sessions awarded Allied Health and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. In addition, a recent evaluation of the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) was completed, supporting integration into the national diagnostic network and enabling remote access by radiologists to improve connectivity and service delivery across regions.
Coordinator for Cancer Care, Dr Haaniques Greaves, underscored the regional significance of Guyana’s achievements. “Guyana is now the only country in the Caribbean to install four mammography units under a single project at the same time, and the only country in the region with comprehensive radiation legislation that allows all regulatory entities to maintain their authority, while adding an oversight structure through the Radiation Board,” Dr Greaves said. She added that “this model is now being referenced by Belize, Grenada, Trinidad and Barbados, as they work to develop their own regulatory frameworks.”
Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr Bob Ramnauth, highlighted the deliberate and systematic approach taken to advance radiology services, particularly in Region Six. “We recognized that improving healthcare, especially in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), required a structured, not haphazard, approach. We focused on upgrading infrastructure, equipment, personnel and training, and this is the phase we are now consolidating,” Dr Ramnauth explained.
Dr Ramnauth noted that the next phase will focus on improving efficiency and strengthening codes of conduct. He pointed to tangible progress already made, stating, “To appreciate our progress, consider this: so far this year, the New Amsterdam Hospital has completed over 20,000 X-rays. We have transitioned from an old analog system to a new digital X-ray platform, which has also been expanded to other regions.”
The completion of the IAEA Mammography Project represents a major step forward in Guyana’s breast cancer response, expanding access to high-quality imaging, strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing workforce capacity and improving diagnostic connectivity nationwide. With the project formally closed, the Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these gains and continuing to strengthen early detection, diagnosis and comprehensive cancer care for all Guyanese.
