GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—According to Dr Leslie Ramsammy, advisor to the Minister of Health and Guyana’s ambassador to Switzerland, Guyana is now the leading kidney transplant country within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Dr Ramsammy noted the country’s achievement, explaining that with the health of citizens being the number one priority and the crucial investment the government has been making, more medications and modern services are becoming available.
“Guyana has recently up its own game regarding kidney replacement therapy, which people generally know as dialysis and kidney transplant. We have become the leading kidney transplant country in Caricom. In 2024, we are expanding the program and making it a center of excellence,” Dr. Ramsammy said.
One of the many contributing factors to this is the increased access to dialysis treatment for patients.
This comes in the form of a subvention that the government provides annually for each person who needs dialysis treatment.
The rolling out of dialysis centers nationwide with modern machines, equipment, and medications has also contributed significantly to this attainment.
The advisor noted that to keep the country on track with this achievement. The ministry is rolling out medications such as HbA1C to persons already diagnosed with the disease and implementing them within the primary healthcare system.
Regular testing on the most vulnerable populations will also be done.
“So, Guyana is moving forward; we are adopting revolutionary and new approaches to kidney health,” Dr Ramsammy said.
“We are adding our dimensions because we want kidney health to be in every home in this country. We must start medications early. Everyone with kidney disease must be exposed to modern testing and medications.”
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