The Government of Guyana has recognized the medical benefits of immunotherapy and stem cell therapy, as such, these services will soon be offered at various hospitals across the country. This is according to the Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony. 
Immunotherapies are treatments that help the immune system fight cancer. Stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapy are forms of immunotherapy that replace or genetically modify the immune system. In addition, stem cells also replace bone marrow cells that were lost due to high doses of radiation therapy.
The government is however aiming to position Guyana as a hub for these services in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Expounding on the government’s intention in this regard, Minister Anthony noted that Guyana is now moving towards precision medicine.
“We recognize that there is going to be a potential for growth and we want to be one of the places in the Caribbean for that. In fact, in Latin America, I believe we can be pioneering this type of technology,” Minister Anthony said.
Already, the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act of 2022, which caters to regenerative medicine including stem cells, was passed in the National Assembly last year.
“We’ve started with the legislation and we’ll do whatever else is necessary to make sure that this is done properly in Guyana. It would not only be for our patients locally but patients would want to come to Guyana to be able to get this form of therapy,” the minister highlighted.
Minister Anthony commended the Woodlands Hospital for taking the first step in bringing stem cell services here.
“We’ve also had a number of people coming to us, wanting to establish labs here to manufacture stem cells and do other innovative things. I think people are recognizing that Guyana is ready for this type of medicine.”
Dr Anthony explained that the government will continue to use innovative technology to improve the healthcare system in Guyana.
“To use the president’s terms, he said he wanted a world-class healthcare system here in Guyana …That is not beyond us, that is something that we can easily achieve once we put our minds to it,” the health minister asserted.
