In This Guide
Quick Links
- health.gov.gy — Universal Health Voucher Portal Official Ministry of Health page with programme details and participating facilities.
- health.gov.gy — Eye Care Programme Details on the eye testing and spectacles voucher programme.
Programme Overview
The National Health Voucher Programme is a Government of Guyana initiative run by the Ministry of Health that provides free healthcare vouchers to all Guyanese citizens. The programme bridges the gap between public and private healthcare by giving citizens government-funded vouchers that can be redeemed at approved private health facilities across all ten administrative regions.
The eye care and cervical cancer (HPV) screening components launched in June 2024, followed by the universal lab test voucher on March 15, 2025. According to government reports, 134,152 vouchers were used in 2024 and 326,868 in 2025 — a 144 percent year-on-year increase. In total, over 461,000 vouchers have been processed since the programme began, covering eye care, laboratory testing, and cervical cancer screening.
For 2026, the Ministry of Health has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with over 60 private health facilities nationwide, marking the third consecutive year of the initiative. The programme has also expanded to remove previous age restrictions on eye care, making all citizens eligible regardless of age.
Available Vouchers for 2026
Four types of health vouchers are available to Guyanese citizens in 2026. Each voucher is limited to one per person per year and requires a valid ID to collect and use.
Universal Lab Test Voucher
Covers CBC, liver, kidney, thyroid, PSA, lipid profile, HbA1c, and other tests at approved private labs. Available to all adults and children.
Eye Testing Voucher
Comprehensive eye examination at participating optical providers. Now available to all ages — no age restrictions.
Spectacles Voucher
Covers the cost of prescribed glasses. Must have a prescription from an eye test. Available to all ages.
Cervical Cancer Screening
HPV screening test for women aged 21–65 at designated health facilities across the country.
Important: Voucher Limits
Each voucher covers costs up to its face value. If your total bill exceeds the voucher amount (for example, combining multiple lab tests that total more than $10,000), you are responsible for paying the difference. The voucher provides a 40–70% discount from the standard cost of these services.
Lab Test Details & Pricing
The $10,000 Universal Lab Test Voucher covers several critical diagnostic tests. You can choose individual tests or combine them — the voucher subsidises the cost, and you pay any amount above $10,000.
Note on Pricing
The prices listed below are approximate and may vary by facility. The voucher generally covers 40–70% of the standard cost. Always confirm pricing with your chosen approved facility before your visit.
| Test | Subsidised Price | What It Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | $3,000 | Red/white blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets — general health indicator |
| Liver Function Tests | $4,000 | Liver enzymes, bilirubin — detects liver disease, hepatitis, alcohol damage |
| Kidney Function Tests | $3,000 | Creatinine, BUN — screens for kidney disease and monitors kidney health |
| Thyroid Function Tests | $5,000 | TSH, T3, T4 — detects hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism |
| Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) | $4,000 | Screens for prostate cancer risk in men |
| Lipid Profile | $4,000 | Cholesterol and triglycerides — assesses cardiovascular risk |
| HbA1c (Diabetes Screening) | $4,000 | Average blood sugar over 2–3 months — screens for diabetes and pre-diabetes |
| Faecal Occult Blood Test | $2,000 | Detects hidden blood in stool — screens for colorectal conditions |
| Urine Analysis | $2,000 | Screens for urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes indicators |
Example Combinations
CBC + Kidney Function: $3,000 + $3,000 = $6,000 — fully covered by the $10,000 voucher, no out-of-pocket cost.
CBC + Liver + Kidney: $3,000 + $4,000 + $3,000 = $10,000 — exactly covered by the voucher.
CBC + Liver + Thyroid: $3,000 + $4,000 + $5,000 = $12,000 — voucher covers $10,000, you pay $2,000.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility by Voucher Type
What You Need
How to Claim Your Voucher
Claiming your health voucher is a simple two-step process: collect the voucher from a health centre, then redeem it at an approved private facility.
Visit Your Nearest Health Centre
Go to any public health centre or hospital in your region with your valid ID. Vouchers are distributed at health centres, hospitals, and during medical outreach events across all ten administrative regions.
Collect Your Voucher(s)
Present your ID to receive the voucher(s) you need. You can collect lab test, eye care, and cervical screening vouchers at the same visit. Each voucher is limited to one per person per year.
Check the Approved Facilities
Each voucher lists the approved private facilities where it can be redeemed. You can also scan the QR code on the back of the voucher for a list of participating providers, or visit the Ministry of Health website.
Visit an Approved Facility
Take your voucher and valid ID to any approved private facility. Present the voucher at reception. The facility will process the voucher and provide the service at no cost up to the voucher value. Any charges above the voucher amount are your responsibility.
Tips
- Vouchers are available year-round — you do not need to rush. However, it is recommended to use them early in the year for preventative screening.
- If your health centre has run out of vouchers, try another nearby centre or check back in a few days.
- For the spectacles voucher, you must first get an eye test (with the $2,000 eye testing voucher or on your own) and receive a prescription.
Approved Facilities
The Ministry of Health has signed MoUs with over 60 private health facilities across all ten administrative regions for the 2026 programme. These include private laboratories, hospitals, optical providers, and clinics.
How to Find a Facility Near You
Only Use Approved Facilities
Vouchers can only be redeemed at facilities that have signed an MoU with the Ministry of Health. If you go to a non-approved facility, the voucher will not be accepted. Always check the list before visiting.
Programme Results
Since launching, the Health Voucher Programme has had significant impact on healthcare access across Guyana. The following figures are based on government reports through end of 2025:
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Vouchers Processed | 134,152 | 326,868 | 461,020 |
| Eye Tests Conducted | — | 175,200 | |
| Spectacles Distributed | — | 160,282 | |
| Adult Lab Tests | — | 91,501 | |
| Child Lab Tests | — | 13,112 | |
| HPV Screenings (Women) | — | 20,852 | |
Diabetes Screening Impact
Through the programme, 37,612 people accessed HbA1c (diabetes screening) testing, of whom 8,440 had elevated results — meaning they were identified as diabetic or pre-diabetic and could be referred for follow-up care. This early detection is one of the programme's most significant public health outcomes.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has noted that the voucher data is driving a shift to evidence-based healthcare in Guyana, providing valuable insights into the health conditions affecting Guyanese citizens and enabling the Ministry to target interventions more effectively.
Planned Expansions
The Ministry of Health has announced plans to further expand the programme with the addition of ultrasound services and expanded diabetic eye screening. These services have not yet launched but are expected to be introduced as the programme continues to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health vouchers are available in Guyana for 2026?
Four vouchers are available: a $10,000 Universal Lab Test Voucher (CBC, liver, kidney, thyroid, PSA, lipid profile, HbA1c, and more), a $2,000 Eye Testing Voucher, a $15,000 Spectacles Voucher, and an $8,000 Cervical Cancer (HPV) Screening Voucher for women aged 21–65.
Who is eligible for the health vouchers?
All Guyanese citizens are eligible for the lab test and eye care vouchers, including children. The cervical cancer screening voucher is available to women aged 21–65. One voucher per person per year. A valid ID is required.
Where do I get my health voucher?
Vouchers are distributed at public health centres and hospitals across all ten administrative regions. Visit your nearest health centre with a valid ID to collect your voucher. Vouchers are also distributed during medical outreach events.
Is the voucher really free?
Yes, the vouchers are completely free to collect and use. They are funded by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health. There is no registration fee, processing fee, or any other charge. Services are free up to the voucher value — any excess is your responsibility.
What if my tests cost more than the voucher?
If you choose a combination of tests that exceeds the voucher amount, you pay the difference. For example, if you use the $10,000 lab voucher for tests totalling $12,000, you pay $2,000 out of pocket. You still benefit from the discounted rates (40–70% off standard prices).
Can children use the health vouchers?
Yes. Children are eligible for the lab test voucher and the eye care vouchers. A parent or guardian with valid ID can collect the voucher on behalf of their child.
Can I use the voucher at any lab or clinic?
No. Vouchers can only be used at approved private facilities that have signed an MoU with the Ministry of Health. There are over 60 approved facilities nationwide. Check the list on the back of your voucher (QR code) or at health.gov.gy.
Is the eye testing voucher still limited by age?
No. As of February 2026, the eye testing and spectacles vouchers are available to all Guyanese citizens regardless of age. Previously, these were limited to persons under 18 and over 50, but the age restriction was removed.
How many vouchers have been processed so far?
According to government reports, over 461,000 vouchers have been processed since the programme began. Usage increased by 144% from 2024 (134,152 vouchers) to 2025 (326,868 vouchers), and the programme continues to expand in 2026.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the official Ministry of Health website at health.gov.gy/universal-health-care-voucher for full details, participating facilities, and updates to the programme.
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Government Services HubLast updated: April 1, 2026. Information in this guide is based on official Ministry of Health announcements and media reports. Voucher availability, facilities, and programme details may change. Always verify current information at health.gov.gy.