The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan is demanding answers from the Government over the operational status of the approximately G$42 million Mabaruma Settlement Health Centre, after residents raised concerns about whether the facility is delivering the healthcare services promised.
Duncan raised the issue following a recent visit to Mabaruma, where residents brought the facility to his attention and questioned its effectiveness.
The concerns come months after Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted the new health centre in April as part of what he described as the transformation of healthcare in Guyana.
Anthony said the facility would provide “faster, closer, and more reliable care” to approximately 8,000 people.
Duncan said residents’ concerns now warrant a clear account from the Government, with some describing the facility as a “white elephant.”
“This requires an explanation from the Government. What is the present operational status of the Mabaruma Settlement Health Centre? Has construction been completed and the facility formally handed over?”
He is also seeking information on the services currently being offered, the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers assigned to the centre, the equipment and supplies installed and the number of patients being treated.
Duncan said the Government must distinguish between spending money on infrastructure and actually delivering healthcare to residents.
“There is a significant difference between constructing a building and delivering healthcare.”
Mabaruma is the administrative centre of the Barima-Waini Region and serves as a key healthcare and administrative hub for communities in Guyana’s North West District. Access to medical services in the hinterland can be affected by distance, transportation and geographic isolation.
Against that backdrop, Duncan said the public has a right to know whether the new facility is fully operational and providing the services used to justify the investment.
“If G$42 million has been spent on a facility intended to improve healthcare for thousands of residents, the public deserves to know whether it is fully functional and delivering the services promised.”
His comments come as the Government continues to promote investment in health infrastructure, including new and upgraded facilities in hinterland communities, as part of efforts to expand access to medical care.
Duncan said infrastructure projects should ultimately be judged by their impact on the people they are intended to serve.
“Development must be measured by outcomes, not announcements and photographs.”
He called on the Government to provide a transparent account of the facility’s status and operations.
“The people of Mabaruma deserve the healthcare facility they were promised, and taxpayers deserve transparency and value for money.”
Duncan said the Government should explain what is happening at the Mabaruma Settlement Health Centre and whether the facility is meeting the healthcare needs of the approximately 8,000 residents it was intended to serve.
