AGP Executive Report

Robotic Surgery in Focus: GPHC has completed a landmark week (June 1–5) of robotic procedures after Guyana’s May 26 launch, including the country’s first robotic inguinal hernia repair and robotic urology, positioning Guyana as a regional surgical innovator. Cancer Care Support: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Martinique is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers, while Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc. honoured 18 survivors at “Stories of Strength,” highlighting gaps in awareness and access. Drug Supply Crackdown: President Ali warned regional health officers and hospital administrators that bypassing the new centralized medical supply system will mean immediate termination, tightening procurement oversight. Child Health & Protection: Mount Sinai’s executive praised Guyana’s child health screening programme as “unparalleled” globally; at the same time, officials confirmed 584 girls under 16 were referred to the CPA (2020–2025), but critics say outcomes aren’t tracked. Public Health Infrastructure: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 states to safely transport infectious substances via IATA training. Safety Alerts: Police report a 1-year-old drowned after wandering near a home pool in South Pakaraimas, and an MP was arrested over alleged domestic violence involving a child.

Cancer care push: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says mammography services are expanding beyond Georgetown, with plans to bring breast screening to every region, alongside HPV vaccination gains (15% to 69% for ages 9–15) and a push for early detection for cervical and prostate cancers. Drug supply crackdown: President Ali warns regional health officers and hospital administrators that bypassing the new centralized medical supply system will mean immediate termination, tightening procurement across the public health network. Cancer support & survivors: Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc. honours 18 survivors at “Stories of Strength,” highlighting gaps in awareness and holistic oncology care while urging earlier screening and better access. Regional public health training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 countries on safe transport of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, strengthening lab and pandemic preparedness. Food access controls: A “Food Passport” digital rationing system is already being built, raising concerns about rationing and tighter eligibility controls during shortages. Child health tragedy: Police report a 1-year-old drowned after wandering from his bed at Cracrana Village, South Pakaraimas; he was pronounced dead at Karasabai Public Hospital. Domestic violence case: WIN MP Deon La Cruz arrested over alleged assault of his wife and a 4-year-old child in Moruca; the child and woman were reportedly injured and the woman sought medical attention. Accountability in utilities: PUC says GPL won’t face penalties for missing 2024 targets due to infrastructure damage, software updates and electricity theft, while still expecting improved compliance. Poultry import rules: Agriculture Minister says no exemptions or import licences for poultry products have been granted since the 2023 bird flu ban.

Cancer Care Update: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Martinique is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers, while local cancer groups also marked World Cancer Survivors Day with “Stories of Strength,” highlighting gaps in awareness, early detection, and access to full care. Drug Supply Crackdown: President Ali warns regional health officers and hospital administrators that bypassing Guyana’s new centralized medical supply system will mean immediate termination, tightening accountability across public procurement. Women’s Health Push: The Ministry says mammography access is expanding beyond Georgetown, with plans to bring breast screening to every region, alongside cervical cancer efforts through HPV vaccination and screening vouchers. Child Health & Safety: A one-year-old boy drowned after wandering from his bed at Cracrana Village, South Pakaraimas; police say he was pronounced dead on arrival at Karasabai Public Hospital. Child Protection Data Gap: Opposition MP Amanza Walton-Desir questions whether state programmes for girls under 16 who became pregnant (584 cases referred to CPA from 2020–2025) can show outcomes, noting the government can’t track how many later gave birth. Life Expectancy Concern: A UNDP report flags Guyana and Haiti as having the shortest life expectancy in the Caribbean, pointing to health system and governance factors. Anti-Bullying Policy: Education Ministry received 1,000+ recommendations for a nationwide anti-bullying and anti-violence policy, including counselling, peer advocates, and stricter consequences for chronic offenders.

Domestic Violence & Child Abuse Allegations: A WIN MP, Deon La Cruz, was arrested in Moruca, Region One, over claims he assaulted his reputed wife and a four-year-old child, including alleged threats with a chopper. Armed Robbery Response: Five people were arrested after a violent armed home invasion at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, where masked men allegedly attacked a family and stole jewellery, cash, phones and documents; victims were taken to Enmore Regional Hospital. Tragic Drowning: A 1-year-old, Ethan Christian, drowned near home in Cracrana Village, South Pakaraimas; he was pronounced dead at Karasabai Public Hospital. Child Protection Data Gap: Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud said 584 girls under 16 were referred to the Childcare and Protection Agency after becoming pregnant (2020–2025), but the state cannot say how many later gave birth—raising calls for better outcome tracking. Cancer Care Boost: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said Martinique is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers, while Lotus Cancer Initiative honoured 18 survivors at “Stories of Strength.” Health System Accountability: President Ali warned health officials they will be dismissed if they bypass the new centralized medical supply system, demanding over 90% medicine availability year-round. Life Expectancy Concern: A UNDP report says Guyana and Haiti have the shortest life expectancy in the Caribbean, with healthy life expectancy below 70 across the region.

Central Medical Supply Crackdown: President Irfaan Ali warned regional health officers and hospital administrators that from July 1 Guyana’s new centralized medical supply system will be the only route for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, with emergency purchases requiring sign-off and officials who bypass the process facing termination. Under-16 Pregnancy Data Gap: Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud told the National Assembly that 584 girls under 16 were referred to the Childcare and Protection Agency between 2020 and 2025, but the ministry cannot say how many later gave birth—prompting calls for better outcome tracking. Cancer Care Boost: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said breast cancer screening is expanding beyond Georgetown, with plans to reach every region, while Guyana also received support from Martinique, which is willing to provide radioactive drugs for certain cancers; Lotus Cancer Initiative honoured 18 survivors at a “Stories of Strength” event. Health System Accountability: Ali also set a target of over 90% availability of essential medicines and stressed improved facility management and patient comfort. Violence and Justice: A 23-year-old man was charged and remanded for the murder of seven-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed at Zeelugt, with police saying he allegedly confessed after investigators linked him to the scene. Migration and Smuggling: Brazil intercepted 108 Cuban migrants near the Guyana border and arrested five suspected smugglers, while 33 Indian nationals were repatriated after an alleged indentured labour scandal.

Cancer Care Boost: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says breast cancer screening is expanding beyond Georgetown, with plans to offer mammography in every region, alongside GPHC advances like local testing and telepathology; he also highlighted rising HPV vaccination coverage and urged use of HPV screening vouchers. Medical Supply Accountability: President Irfaan Ali warned public health officials they’ll be dismissed if they bypass Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system from July 1, which will control emergency drug purchases through set sign-offs and monthly oversight. Under-16 Pregnancies: Parliament responses show 584 girls under 16 were referred to the Childcare and Protection Agency between 2020 and 2025, but the Ministry says it can’t provide how many gave birth, raising calls for clearer outcomes. Uranium Mining Warning: Environmental specialist Dr. Vincent Adams cautioned Guyana isn’t ready for commercial uranium mining, citing regulatory and safety gaps. Regional Cancer Drugs: Martinique says it’s willing to send radioactive drugs/isotopes for certain cancers to Guyana’s doctors. Human Trafficking Fallout: 33 Indian nationals linked to an alleged indentured labour scheme have been repatriated after a long dispute over who would stay. Teen Crime Case: Police report a breakthrough in the Zeelugt murder probe, arresting a 23-year-old farmer who allegedly confessed to killing a 7-year-old and stabbing her great-aunt. Migration Pressure at Border: Brazil intercepted 108 Cuban migrants near the Guyana border, arresting five suspected smugglers and calling it a major humanitarian rescue. Agriculture Innovation: Guyana launched a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture STI Hub with Brazil’s EMBRAPA and IICA to strengthen tropical agrifood research and resilience.

Medical Supply Accountability: President Irfaan Ali warned regional health officials and hospital administrators that anyone bypassing Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system will be dismissed, with emergency drug purchases now requiring sign-off through the Materials Management Unit and a monthly oversight committee starting July 1. Underage Pregnancy Data Gap: Opposition MP Amanza Walton questioned whether protections for vulnerable girls are working after the Ministry reported 584 pregnancies involving girls under 16 referred to the Childcare and Protection Agency from 2020–2025, noting the system doesn’t track how many ultimately gave birth. Cancer Care Support: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said Martinique is willing to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs/isotopes for certain cancers, while Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc. marked World Cancer Survivors Day with 18 survivor honours and renewed calls for prevention and early detection. Organ Transplant Push: The Ministry of Health launched a 31-month initiative to build a sustainable organ donation and transplantation system aligned with international standards, supported by the EU and Expertise France. Crime & Community Safety: Detectives arrested a 23-year-old farmer in the Zeelugt murder probe after he allegedly confessed to the killing of 7-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed and the attempted murder of his 72-year-old great-aunt.

Health System Accountability: President Irfaan Ali warned regional health officials and hospital administrators they will be dismissed if they bypass Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system, which becomes the sole platform for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies from July 1; emergency purchases will require sign-off through the system and a monthly committee review. Cancer Care Support: Martinique says it can supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs (radiopharmaceutical isotopes) for certain cancers, following discussions with the Ministry of Health; the announcement came during World Cancer Survivors Day 2026 events led by the Lotus Cancer Initiative, which honoured 18 survivors. Organ Transplant Push: The Ministry of Health launched a 31-month initiative (April 2026–October 2028) to build a sustainable, internationally aligned organ donation and transplantation system, aiming to improve access and reduce deaths from end-stage organ failure. Teen Pregnancy Concern: Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud disclosed that 584 pregnant girls under 16 were referred to the Childcare and Protection Agency between 2020 and 2025, highlighting ongoing child protection and health needs. Medical Innovation Spotlight: A record-setting robot-assisted cardiac telesurgery reportedly connected Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in Guyana with IRCAD India in Indore across nearly 20,000 km.

Organ Transplant Push: Guyana’s Ministry of Health has launched a 31-month initiative (April 2026–October 2028) to build a sustainable, internationally aligned organ donation and transplantation system, funded by the EU and coordinated by Expertise France, aiming to strengthen rules, labs, and living kidney donation protocols and improve access to life-saving care. Cancer Care Support: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Martinique is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) to treat certain cancers, following discussions with the Lotus Cancer Initiative and local cancer survivors. World-Record Telesurgery: An Indian surgeon remotely performed a robot-assisted cardiac procedure from Guyana to India—nearly 20,000 km—using the SSI Mantra system at GPHC, marking a new distance record for robotic cardiac telesurgery. COVID-19 at Training College: A COVID-19 outbreak has shut down GuySuCo Training College in Port Mourant after more than 20 cases were detected; students were sent home and positives quarantined, with reports of no severe symptoms. Crime and Safety: Police report a confession in the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed and the attempted murder of his great-grandmother in Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, with a knife recovered and linked to the suspect. Medical Training: The Guyana Defence Force Training Corps graduated 11 Grade Three Medical Assistants after 30 weeks of instruction and a practical attachment at GPHC. Public Health Awareness: National Cancer Survivors Day was observed, spotlighting the experiences of survivors and caregivers and encouraging wider awareness of cancer challenges.

COVID-19 Response: GuySuCo Training College in Port Mourant, Region Six, was shut after health officials detected more than 20 COVID-19 cases; students were sent home and positives isolated, with the Infectious Diseases Unit at New Amsterdam Hospital on standby. Cancer Care & Access: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said Martinique is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) to treat certain cancers, supporting local oncology services. Organ Donation & Transplants: Guyana launched a 31-month, EU-funded initiative (April 2026–Oct 2028) to build an internationally aligned organ donation and transplantation system, strengthening clinical, regulatory, and lab capacity and improving living kidney donation protocols. Medical Training: The Guyana Defence Force Training Corps graduated 11 Grade Three Medical Assistants after 30 weeks of instruction and a practical attachment at GPHC. National Health Awareness: National Cancer Survivors Day was marked to celebrate survivors and raise awareness of the ongoing challenges they face. Violence & Public Safety: A 23-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed and the attempted murder of his 72-year-old great-grandmother in Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo; the knife was recovered and linked to the suspect. Regional Health Tech: SS Innovations reported a record-setting robot-assisted cardiac telesurgery between Georgetown (GPHC) and Indore, India, using its SSI Mantra system.

Organ Transplant Access: Guyana has launched a 31-month, EU-funded programme (Apr 2026–Oct 2028) to build an internationally aligned organ donation and transplantation system, strengthen regulation and labs, and improve protocols for living kidney donation. Medical Training: The Guyana Defence Force Training Corps graduated 11 Grade Three Medical Assistants after 30 weeks of instruction, including clinical attachments at GPHC. Violent Crime & Public Safety: Police arrested a 23-year-old farmer in the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed and the attempted murder of his 72-year-old great-grandmother in Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo; the child was found with a throat slash and the woman was stabbed and hospitalised. Telesurgery Milestone: SSI Mantra robotic telesurgery was used for a record-setting intercontinental cardiac procedure, linking Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation with IRCAD in Indore, India, over nearly 20,000 km. Health Workforce & Systems: The week also highlighted broader health capacity themes, from field sanitation training to scaling access to life-saving transplant services. Governance & Health Costs: A bill to restore former presidents’ benefits (including free medical attendance) is back in the National Assembly, raising questions about public spending priorities.

Intercontinental cardiac care: An Indian-origin surgeon, Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, used the Made-in-India SSI Mantra robot to perform the world’s longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery—linking Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in Guyana with IRCAD in Indore, India, over nearly 20,000 km. Violence against children: Police arrested a suspected perpetrator after a home invasion in Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo left 7-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed dead with a slashed throat and his 72-year-old great-grandmother stabbed; she was admitted to De Kinderen Regional Hospital and reported stable. Public accountability demand: In Sophia, a candlelight vigil for 19-year-old Jukeem Scipio—shot during a controversial police operation—turned into calls for clearer answers as he remains hospitalized with a serious gunshot injury. Health system access push: A new programme aims to improve access to organ transplant services in Guyana. Environment & health link: World Environment Day coverage highlighted calls for businesses to adopt stronger environmental standards and cleaner practices, framing climate action as protection for public health. Funding pressures: Government tabled a supplementary budget request of about GY$54.9B, including additional support for health and the Gas-to-Energy project.

World-Record Telesurgery: A robot-assisted cardiac procedure was completed across nearly 20,000 km between Georgetown’s GPHC and IRCAD India in Indore, with Dr. Sudhir Srivastava remotely performing a LIMA takedown using the SSI Mantra system—positioning Guyana as a potential regional robotic surgery hub. Child Safety & Violence: Police are hunting a lone suspect after a 7-year-old boy, Adriel Aftab Mohamed, was found dead with his throat slashed during a home invasion at Zeelugt, EBE, while his 72-year-old great-grandmother was injured and admitted to De Kinderen Hospital; CCTV is being reviewed and a knife was recovered. Health System Progress: GPHC says major investment over the past five years is improving services, including expanded surgical capability and progress on maternal outcomes. Funding Pressure on Health & Infrastructure: Government tabled a supplementary request of about GY$54.9B for 2026, including additional allocations tied to housing, public works, and health-related programmes, with a large portion also earmarked for the Gas-to-Energy project. Online Child Protection: A national consultation began to draft a framework and possible legislation to better protect children from harmful social media use, drawing on models from Australia, the UK, and parts of Europe.

Violence & Child Safety: A 7-year-old boy, Adriel Aftab Mohamed, was found dead with his throat slit in Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, during an apparent home invasion; his 72-year-old great-grandmother was stabbed and admitted to De Kinderen Regional Hospital in stable condition, while police review CCTV and hunt for a lone suspect. Health Tech Breakthrough: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and IRCAD India completed the world’s longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery, linking Guyana and India via fiber network for a left internal mammary artery procedure. Maternal Health & Hospital Upgrades: GPHC says major investment over five years has improved services, including progress in maternal outcomes and expanded access to advanced equipment and surgeries at no cost to citizens. Public Health Policy: A regional webinar on healthy food policy highlights slow progress on non-communicable diseases and calls for stronger diet-related action across the Caribbean. Funding & Care Access: Government tabled a supplementary budget seeking an extra $54.9B, including $19B more for the Gas-to-Energy project and additional allocations touching health and home affairs. Online Child Protection: Government launched a national consultation to draft protections against harmful social media use for children, drawing on models from Australia, the UK and parts of Europe.

Road Safety & Violence: A porter, Isaiah Malachi Williams, died after a motor canter crashed into a bridge along the Long Creek Public Road (Linden/Soesdyke Highway), while a Helena businessman was injured after a loaded firearm discharged on Unity Old Road; police are also hunting a lone suspect after a home invasion at Zeelugt, where 7-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed was found with his throat slit and his 72-year-old great-grandmother was stabbed (stable), and Linden man Johnathan De Souza was charged with murder of 23-year-old labourer Wayne Tevin Wilson. Child Protection Online: Government launched a national consultation to draft stronger protections for children online, looking at models like Australia’s under-16 limits and the UK’s Online Safety Act. Health Systems & Care: GPHC says it has invested about $85.2B over five years, improving access to advanced services and citing progress on maternal outcomes. Healthy Food Policy: PAHO and partners reviewed slow progress on NCD prevention in the Caribbean, with healthy food policy framed through WHO “Best Buys.” Medical Innovation: SS Innovations announced the world’s longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery between Guyana and India. Local Health Infrastructure: Govt says Kamarang Hospital construction will proceed on 10 acres after community objections. Public Debate: Opposition MPs and AG discussions continue over moving to restore unlimited benefits for former presidents.

Former Presidents Benefits: APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul calls the Ali administration’s plan to repeal the 2015 caps and restore unlimited benefits for former presidents “unconscionable,” as the Former President’s (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill is set for first reading. Kamarang Hospital: Government says the controversial Kamarang Hospital in Region Seven will move ahead on 10 acres, after the village council objected to using additional land occupied by farmers; details on contracts and costs remain unclear. Child Online Safety: A national consultation begins to shape a framework and possible legislation to protect children from harmful social media impacts, with ministers citing models like age limits and stronger platform accountability. GPHC Regional Push: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation highlights major investment and upgrades, including expanded surgical capability and improved services, as it advances toward premier Caribbean healthcare status. Trachoma Progress: PAHO reports continued momentum toward trachoma elimination in the Americas, focusing on WASH and community-focused SAFE interventions, including in Guyana. Road Safety Tragedy: A fatal Corentyne smash-up killed three young men after a speeding overtaking attempt led to a head-on collision. Telesurgery Milestone: SS Innovations says a robotic heart procedure was completed between Guyana and India over a fiber link, positioning GPHC as a key partner in long-distance surgical care.