Our DTI expert, Dr. Brian Alvarez, has been in Guyana from August 7th to 19th, 2023, to support the Ministry of Health from Guyana in the implementation of the deceased donation program according to the National Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act 2022.

During his stay, he worked directly with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Ministry of Health of Guyana, who joined forces in developing the Standard operating procedure, the hospital protocols and necessary documentation to kick-off the initiation of the deceased donation program.

The program’s goal was to implement deceased organ donation in the country. Dr. Brian Alvarez helped in the collaboration between 20 different teams inside the hospital to set up a comprehensive program.

Dr. Alvarez’s visit focused on harmonizing efforts among the hospital’s departments, identifying specific needs and resources required at every stage. This planning ensured a seamless collaboration and an effective communication across all teams involved.

At the core of this successful stage of the process was the guidance and leadership of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA), led by Dr. Shanti Singh.

From DTI, we would also like to thank Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, GPHC’s Medical Director, for his crucial role in providing support and hospitality during the visit. His dedication eased the process, allowing the team to focus on their mission.

The journey of implementation is ongoing. As the different hospital teams continue to work in tandem, their collective efforts will play a vital role in making deceased organ donors a reality, ultimately saving more lives.