People recovering from strokes are set to benefit from specialised outpatient care at a new $550 million Neurological Rehabilitation Centre being built at Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
The government-funded facility, described as Guyana’s first dedicated neurological rehabilitation centre, is expected to be completed and commissioned by the end of 2027. A sod-turning ceremony was held on October 16.
The centre will bring together services aimed at helping patients improve their movement, communication and ability to carry out everyday tasks independently. It will also cater to people living with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome and other neurological conditions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted the need for rehabilitation services for stroke patients.
“We know that in our country, we have been experiencing a lot of people who would have high blood pressure, and sometimes if they don’t take care of it, they can end up with a stroke. And this centre is also intended to help those persons with stroke to help them to bring them to full recovery,” he said.
The planned services include physiotherapy to improve mobility, balance, strength and walking, along with occupational therapy to help patients manage personal care and other activities at home and in their communities.
Speech and language therapy will address communication and swallowing difficulties. Patients will also have access to medical support for their rehabilitation needs and associated complications.
Psychosocial services are planned to help patients and their families adjust to disability, with support also available for caregivers.
Dr. Anthony said the project forms part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to expand rehabilitation services and provide care suited to patients’ individual needs. He also commended the Rehabilitation and Disabilities Services Department for its work in advancing the initiative.
Director of Rehabilitation and Disabilities Services, Dr. Ariane Mangar, said the centre would strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to help patients recover functional abilities and improve their quality of life.
“This will help us to treat those patients and definitely get better outcomes, and then the patients will have a better quality of life. That’s our aim,” she said.
Mangar explained that rehabilitation involves helping people achieve the highest possible level of functioning and independence, alongside addressing their medical conditions.
The new facility is intended to complement existing rehabilitation services across the country’s ten administrative regions. Referral arrangements and coordination with regional departments will allow patients to receive specialised assessment and treatment at the centre while continuing rehabilitation closer to home.
