Assessing Barriers towards Promotion of Guyana’s Health Tourism Industry- A Systematic Review

Health tourism, often referred to as medical tourism, presents a promising avenue for economic growth and healthcare advancement in Guyana, a nation endowed with abundant natural resources. However, the development of health tourism is contingent upon navigating a complex landscape of barriers, encompassing infrastructure limitations, legal and governmental variables, and healthcare system-related elements. This comprehensive study aims to explore and analyze these barriers and propose strategies to facilitate the growth of health tourism in Guyana. Objectives: • To identify the primary obstacles hindering the development of health tourism in Guyana. • To recommend strategies for overcoming these barriers and fostering the growth of health tourism. Findings: Infrastructure Elements: Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, transportation, and accessibility pose significant challenges. The government and private sector initiatives, such as the development of specialty hospitals and modern healthcare facilities, show promise in addressing these infrastructure limitations. Legal and Governmental Variables (Inter-sectoral): Guyana's political stability, regulatory framework, and economic climate significantly impact health tourism. Collaborative efforts, policy reforms, and streamlined regulations are crucial to attracting internal and external investments. Health System-Related Elements (Intra-sectoral): Challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals, language barriers, and human resource management are recognized obstacles. Addressing these issues requires investments in education, training, and attractive incentives for healthcare workers. Conclusion: This study highlights the multifaceted barriers to health tourism development in Guyana and underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, policy reforms, infrastructure development, and investment in human resources. Overcoming these barriers will not only enhance the nation's healthcare system but also position Guyana as a desirable destination for health tourists.