The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has made history by successfully completing a series of chain kidney transplants, the first of their kind not only for Guyana but for the entire Caribbean.
A chain kidney transplant involves pairs of patients in need of a kidney transplant and donors willing to donate on their behalf. In this landmark procedure, four pairs were involved—comprising four donors and four recipients—resulting in a total of eight surgeries performed on September 29 and October 2, 2025.
At a press conference held at GPHC’s Resource Centre, Dr. Kishore Persaud, Head of the Department of Transplant Surgery, detailed the significance of this achievement. “This involved a four pair chain transplant among four sets of patients who were incompatible due to blood group or antibody incompatibilities,” he explained, highlighting that none of the recipients had a suitable donor.
The success of these transplants was attributed to meticulous planning and team collaboration among local doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Dr. Persaud noted, “With experience and careful use of virtual cross-matching techniques, the team effectively matched each recipient with a suitable donor.”
He emphasized that GPHC leads the Caribbean in transplant programs, being the only facility currently conducting pair exchange and chain kidney transplants. This successful initiative has positioned the hospital as a front-runner in the region for such critical medical procedures.
Among the recipients, Samantha Ault spoke of her life-changing experience, stating, “I had been suffering from kidney disease for over two years on dialysis before I learned about the possibility of a transplant.” Ault expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to regain her health.
Kiran Hardyal, a two-time transplant recipient, shared his journey, emphasizing the challenges of being on dialysis and his relief at receiving a match for his second transplant. “My first transplant lasted approximately nine years, and it failed. Being on dialysis isn’t easy; it drains you. I am now proud to be a kidney transplant recipient,” he said.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony praised Dr. Persaud and his team for surpassing expectations, noting the significant expansion of the transplant program since its establishment at GPHC. He announced plans to enhance HLA testing capabilities by sending a doctor to India for specialized training.
“This addition will enhance our ability to conduct precise matching for kidney transplants in Guyana,” Dr. Anthony stated.
Robbie Rambarran, CEO of GPHC, acknowledged the hospital’s achievements while raising concerns about the alarming rise in kidney disease, which has become a major health challenge globally. He highlighted that kidney disease was the ninth leading cause of death in 2023, with an increasing number of patients seeking treatment at GPHC.
This historic achievement represents a major milestone in healthcare for Guyana, improving the lives of those impacted by kidney disease and showcasing the capabilities of local medical professionals.
