Health Minister engages stakeholders on further developing physiotherapy services in Guyana 

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony accompanied by Dr Ariane Mangar, Director of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services, yesterday met with the Chief Executive Officer of World Physiotherapy (WPT), Mr. Sidy Dieye, who was alongside members of the organisation’s leadership board and representatives of the North American Caribbean Region (NACR) Executive.

The delegation included Mr. Pablo Davo Cabra, Ms. Ann Nicholson, Ms. Sibyl Edwards, and Mr. Sergio Baldew, along with President of the Guyana Physiotherapy Association, Ms. Jana Edghill.

This meeting forms part of a series of high-level engagements being held during the delegation’s official visit to Guyana for the North American and Caribbean Regional (NACR) General Meeting.

Representatives from across the Caribbean and wider region are participating, including Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Suriname. Their presence underscores the increasing importance of regional collaboration in strengthening physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, while advancing professional standards across the region.

During the meeting, discussions focused on opportunities to further develop physiotherapy services in Guyana, enhance workforce capacity, and align national priorities with global best practices. Emphasis was also placed on the role of physiotherapy in improving patient outcomes and supporting comprehensive, patient-centred care.

Minister Anthony reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality rehabilitation services, noting that physiotherapy remains a key component of Guyana’s broader health system strengthening agenda.

The upcoming NACR General Meeting is scheduled to be held at Cara Lodge on Friday and is expected to facilitate critical dialogue on regional strategies, professional development, and collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing physiotherapy practice and improving patient care across the Caribbean.

This engagement marks another important step in strengthening partnerships between Guyana and international physiotherapy bodies, positioning the country as an active contributor to regional and global advancements in rehabilitation care.