George Washington medical team to conduct 20 major surgeries

Georgetown : The George Washington medical team arrived in Guyana yesterday and was welcomed by Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran. At a reception in their honour at Grand Coastal hotel, Minister Ramsaran said he hopes this time around, the team will able to interact with Guyanese people, especially in the clinical field to share their skills with Guyanese medical personnel.

He pointed out to the team, the improvements at the West Demerara Regional Hospital from their first visit last year and said he hopes that members of the team can identify other weaknesses in whichever hospital they work at. He also invited the team to explore the medical school at the University of Guyana.

Minister Ramsaran encouraged the team to take the opportunity to explore Guyana’s beauty while they are here. He said Guyana is a good tourist destination, “so I am hoping you will be able to see a bit of Guyana without disrupting your academic and clinical work so when you get back you will be able to promote us as a good destination for families to come and see nature.”

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud also expressed the hope that the team will have a fruitful and pleasant stay. “Patients here are looking forward for your services and I know they will appreciate everything that you do. I hope this mission is executed to its fullest,” he said.

Prem Singh, a Guyanese who migrated over 30 years ago and one of the key personnel behind the initiative, said the team is in Guyana to perform surgeries on those who are on a waiting list. He said through friendships, the linkage was made and he initiated the team’s visit to Guyana.

On the first mission, there were 23 surgeons and specialists and on this second trip, the team is approximately the same size.

MEdical team