to create over 400 jobs
DESPITE setbacks due to weather and unforeseen circumstances, construction of the $4 billion state-of-the-art Sheriff Specialty Hospital in Palmyra, Berbice, Region Six, is progressing rapidly.
Once completed, the hospital will be a game-changer for the region and the entire nation, offering a wide range of advanced medical treatments and creating significant job opportunities.
Ameir Ahmad, Managing Director of Sheriff Group of Companies, shared exclusive details with the Guyana Chronicle about the hospital’s development. The three-story facility, featuring 150 rooms, is poised to become a beacon of specialised medical care in Berbice, focusing on heart surgery, eye surgery, cancer therapy, and plastic surgeries, among other critical treatments. According to Ahmad, the services at the new hospital will complement those offered at their other medical institutions across the country.
Ahmad expressed his excitement not only about the cutting-edge medical services the facility will bring to the region but also about the substantial impact it will have on employment. “This four-billion-dollar facility will be the first of its kind in Berbice, and I am exceptionally happy that it will provide over 400 jobs for Berbicians,” he said. Positions will range from medical professionals to cleaners and support staff, providing a much-needed economic boost to the region.
The hospital, which is being constructed on 15 acres of land, is scheduled for completion in August 2025. Ahmad noted that it will be equipped with $10 to $15 billion worth of medical equipment, ensuring that the hospital offers world-class services. In addition to advanced medical care, the facility will also provide on-site housing for doctors and some staff members, creating a complete ecosystem for both patients and healthcare providers.
“Like our other hospitals, we will offer the best medical services at an affordable cost,” Ahmad assured, adding that affordability remains a key pillar of the Sheriff Group’s philosophy. “We want to ensure that people get the best service at an affordable price.”
The establishment of the specialty hospital is part of the Sheriff Group’s broader plan to capitalise on Guyana’s rapid development, particularly under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Ahmad explained that the company had originally planned to allocate its budget over the next five years but decided to expedite its investment due to the growing opportunities in the oil-rich nation.
A central aspect of the Sheriff Group’s vision is the expansion of “medical tourism” in Guyana. Ahmad explained that the new hospital is designed to attract patients from across the Caribbean and beyond, positioning Guyana as a cost-effective destination for specialised healthcare services. This initiative is not only aimed at improving healthcare accessibility but also at stimulating economic growth and empowering the local community.
“Our mission for medical tourism hasn’t changed,” Ahmad said. “For us, medical tourism means that people from the Caribbean and other nations perceive Guyana and the Sheriff Brand as a more affordable option for healthcare. For example, brain procedures or tumor removals that might cost a fortune abroad will be offered at one-third of the price here, and we will accept international insurance.”
Ahmad concluded by reaffirming the company’s commitment to providing the best possible healthcare to Guyanese, as well as regional and international patients. “We are investing a significant amount of money in these facilities and must earn a profit, but we are also giving back to our people by providing the services they need locally. By doing this, individuals won’t have to travel abroad and spend excessive amounts just because those services aren’t available in Guyana.”
With its ambitious plans and unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence, the Sheriff Group is poised to redefine the landscape of medical care in Berbice and beyond, while making Guyana a key player in the region’s healthcare sector.
