Office of the Minister, office of the minister within the ministry / office of the permanent secretary
The policy offices of the Ministry of Health lead and direct the sector in line with the National Health Sector Strategy (NHSS 2008-2012), the National Development Strategy and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.
Coordination
Throughout 2010 and 2011 the National Health Policy Committee has been functioning as a centre of key policy and technical direction to the sector. The five Technical Working Groups report to this level.
Strategic Planning
With the NHSS 2008 – 2012 coming to an end in the upcoming budget year, these offices will guide the development of the 2012 – 2020 health sector vision. This will be supported directly by a financial addendum and a monitoring and evaluation plan. Furthermore, subsector strategies will detail operational plans to achieve the 2020 vision.
Infrastructure Modernization
In 2012 the Ministry of Health contemplates an ambitious development plan to renew the physical infrastructure of its head office complex on Brickdam being consistent with the vision and national policy to modernize the health sector in Guyana.
Current situation:
The temporary resettlement plan subsequent to the MOH compound fire of 17th July 2009 (17,000 sq.ft of building space charred, 15,000 sq.ft disrupted) has concluded with one new building. The other four buildings in MoH Brickdam Complex has aged to a state where in excess of 10% of its value is being spent on routine maintenance each year. Operating spaces, staff facilities, service distribution are sub-standard and potential health and safety hazards.
Plan:
The modernisation plan envisages the phased development of office blocks over a three year period, this will involve the construction of new buildings and demolition and replacement of existing buildings. The development will be articulated to minimized disruption of the existing functional areas presently in use. A chartered architect’s estimations and designs of these plans are detailed in the master plan – preliminary study estimating an approx. Cost of $100m and $60m for phase 1 and phase 2 to be completed in 2012. Phases 1-5 span over three years with an estimated overall cost of $326m which is proposed to be financed jointly by GOG and external partners.