GPHC says dialysis demand now outpacing capacity, Guyana leads region in kidney transplants
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has reported that the number of patients seeking dialysis and kidney transplant services has grown beyond what the system can comfortably handle, even as the institution celebrates a major medical achievement.
GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran, explained during a press briefing that the surge began over the last two years. From 2023 to now, the hospital’s nephrology clinic registered 2,200 new patients, an increase described as unlike anything seen before. Of the 360 patients currently on dialysis, 246 only began treatment this year, showing how quickly the numbers have climbed.
Hospital officials also noted a worrying trend: many severely ill patients are being admitted because they either stopped dialysis or never made use of the Government’s subsidised haemodialysis programme. As of Wednesday, 29 renal patients were hospitalised, 20 of whom were receiving dialysis.
With patient loads rising across both dialysis and transplant services, the hospital says its capacity is under strain and immediate scaling-up is needed. GPHC has been investing in new surgical technologies and building out its transplant team to manage the pressure, aiming to shorten wait times and reach more underserved patients.
Despite the challenges, Guyana is recording a historic year for kidney transplants. The country has completed 13 procedures for 2025 so far, the highest in the Caribbean. By comparison, Antigua recorded two, Barbados three, Trinidad and Tobago three, the Bahamas one, and Jamaica none to date.
The Government continues to support renal patients through the annual $600,000 haemodialysis cash grant administered by the Ministry of Health. The programme now assists hundreds each year, with 600 patients expected to benefit under the most recent budget.
Adding to this progress, GPHC has also been officially certified as Guyana’s first Kidney Transplant Centre, marking a major step forward in the delivery of complex medical care.
