In a passionate address during the 2026 Budget Debates, Dr. Terrence Campbell, parliamentary leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), criticized the government for what he perceives as a deliberate effort to undermine local healthcare workers. He specifically highlighted reports of plans to hire foreign nurses from Bangladesh, raising concerns about the implications for the country’s healthcare system.
Dr. Campbell articulated that the ongoing exodus of local nurses is being exacerbated by government negligence in addressing their grievances. “Mr. Speaker, there is a nefarious plan of this government to get rid of local nurses and bring in Bangladeshi nurses,” he stated, while referencing a recent incident where 150 Bangladeshi nationals reportedly voted in the national elections at Ogle. He noted that the Bangladeshi government plans to establish a High Commission in Guyana to explore labor market opportunities, which he views with skepticism.
He criticized the government’s approach to building regional hospitals amidst a nursing shortage, questioning the rationale behind such developments without sufficient local staffing. “You have less nurses yet you are building more hospitals. The government says it will train 5,440 allied health professionals, but how many of those are nurses?” Campbell queried.
Emphasizing the need for the government to engage with local nurses, he argued for retaining those currently in the system and attracting back those who have migrated. “Bringing foreign nurses while pushing our own out is not putting our people first,” he asserted. “Foreign nurses will not take care of us as our own will.”
Moreover, Dr. Campbell called for urgent reforms in the health sector, emphasizing ongoing issues such as expired medications and shortages within health facilities. He proposed the establishment of a national health service, ensuring that every citizen has access to comprehensive health check-ups at least once a year with a general health partner.
In response, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony clarified that the Government of Guyana is not involved in the hiring of nurses from Bangladesh, countering the claims made by Dr. Campbell. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions regarding healthcare policy and staffing in Guyana, underscoring the complexities of managing labor importation alongside domestic health workforce challenges.
