Consultations to develop more updated and futuristic health laws got underway at Duke Lodge on Wednesday as Guyana prepares to reform its public health laws to bring them in line with international standards. The country’s current Public Health Law has been in existence since 1934 and is considered outdated. Addressing the consultation forum for a new Public Health Act, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said the government is working to redress the “very old legislation of the past.” An example of the outdated law, Dr. Anthony pointed out, is the clause which states that during a pandemic situation, the property of persons could be seized and burnt as a containment measure. The consultation was one in an ongoing series and included the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and Attorney General’s Chambers. Since 1934, human and other rights have evolved and must be taken into consideration when drafting the updated law.
