The University of Guyana (UG) says its new Regional Pre-Medical Programme will begin during the first week of April 2026 across all 10 administrative regions, as the institution moves to strengthen the pipeline of local healthcare workers to support the country’s expanding medical sector.
In a press release issued on Monday, UG said the initiative comes as Guyana advances plans for 14 new hospitals and seeks to ensure that more students in the regions have access to university-level training. The university said the programme forms part of its broader “One Graduate per Household” vision under Blueprint 2040 and aligns with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s push to make higher education more accessible outside of Georgetown.
UG said the pre-medical programme is expected to serve about 200 students in its initial phase and was developed in a short period as part of a wider expansion in professional and technical education.
The university also disclosed that it is working on a possible pathway for Guyanese medical students returning from Cuba, should the need arise for them to continue their studies locally.
According to UG, a team from the College of Medical Sciences, led by Dean Professor Ranjini Kurup and Assistant Deans Dr. Andrew Hutson and Dr. Jamain Hatton, is currently assessing how to support such a transition.
UG said that the process remains subject to academic review and inter-ministerial coordination. It noted that the university is working closely with the Ministries of Health, Education, and Public Service and Government Efficiency on the issue.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin said the institution is seeking to ensure that the growth of its medical faculty keeps pace with Guyana’s national health priorities.
She said the all-region launch of the pre-medical programme marks a major step in widening access to medical education, while the university also prepares for the possibility of integrating returning students into a curriculum that meets national and international standards.
UG said the programme rollout is being supported by expanded infrastructure, including the new Medical Sciences Building at Turkeyen, the Yesu Persaud Building for Medical Education at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and upgraded microbiology and dental laboratories.
The operational rollout is being led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement Professor Emanuel Cummings, a former Dean of the College of Medical Sciences, with the university saying his involvement is intended to help preserve the international accreditation of its MBBS programme and maintain academic standards.
