–Dr. Anthony urges healthcare professionals abroad
–as US-based Guyanese returns home to open medical centre in Region Three

By Feona Morrison
MINISTER of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has issued a heartfelt plea to healthcare professionals abroad, urging them to return home and contribute their expertise to Guyana’s healthcare sector.
His call comes as a United States-based Guyanese businessman, emergency medicine physician Dr. Philip McPherson opened a new medical centre in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), underscoring the potential for diaspora involvement in improving healthcare services across the nation.

In his address at the inauguration ceremony of the newly established Olmac Medical Hub Guyana, situated at Lot 43, New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Dr. Anthony emphasised the critical need for skilled healthcare professionals to bolster Guyana’s healthcare system.

He commended the initiative of the businessman in investing in the country’s healthcare system, and urged others to follow suit.
Dr. Anthony said healthcare professionals always prioritise the well-being of their patients, yet there remains a gap due to the departure of many skilled individuals who have pursued opportunities abroad.

“We have a lot of our skilled people migrated to the US, Canada, the UK to the Caribbean to different parts of the world. And very often, we have that vacuum that was created,” he said.
The Health Minister added: “We want people to come, because, over the years, we had so much expertise abroad. If you come and share them and help us to grow and develop our health system, I think at some future point we [Guyana] will be the envy of the Caribbean.”

However, with investments like Dr. McPherson’s, Dr. Anthony noted: “We are now changing what was a brain drain to a brain game.”
He said Dr. McPherson and his team are not only offering good quality medical services, but also schooling, which is very fundamental to the health care profession.

“We need excellent clinical mentors, to help our doctors and nurses so that we can lift the quality of care that we’re offering to our patients,” Dr. Anthony stressed.
The Health Minister expressed gratitude to Dr. McPherson for his bold investment, acknowledging that there are not many Guyanese willing to return home to invest in ventures like this one.

The Health Minister told Dr. McPherson: “I think what you have done is show people that this is possible. That you can come back, make this investment and make it work. This is an extremely good example for others to follow. So, in a sense, you’re also a pioneer in bringing these types of investments to Guyana…”
Dr. Anthony related that the model for the medical centre entails the rotation of doctors from the US to Guyana, ensuring the delivery of quality services.

“I think this would be a game changer,” the Health Minister said.
He offered insight into the progress made in Guyana’s medical sector, and underlined the government’s readiness to assist Guyanese individuals who are considering returning home to invest.
In his address, an emotional Dr. McPherson highlighted his commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to the people of Guyana.

Having spent years abroad gaining experience in the healthcare industry, he expressed his desire to give back to his homeland and contribute to its development.
Despite the challenges encountered along the way, Dr. McPherson emphasised his resolve to persevere, expressing gratitude to his family, friends and Minister Anthony for their unwavering support.

He shared that as a child, he was deeply inspired by the idea of making a difference in people’s lives through medicine.
“All my life, all I wanted to be was a doctor to serve the people,” Dr. McPherson said.
After graduating from medical school, he said he spent years perfecting his craft at the Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

“I want to provide Guyana with the best of dialysis and medical care,” Dr. McPherson said, adding that the medical centre is dedicated to the memory of his late parents.
Olmac Medical Hub Guyana boasts cutting-edge facilities, and is manned by a team of seasoned healthcare professionals. The hub provides a comprehensive array of services, such as primary care, specialised treatments, and preventive health programmes.