Mahdia tragedy: Critically-ill girl, 13, flown to New York for treatment

One of the two critically-ill girls, who were receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) following the tragic Mahdia Secondary School dorm fire, is being medically evacuated to the Northwell Health, Burns Centre, Staten Island University Hospital for much-needed treatment.

A press release from the Ministry of Health noted that this girl, aged 13, underwent two surgeries at the Georgetown Hospital and her condition, though critical, improved steadily.

“This transfer was deemed necessary out of an abundance of precaution and made in the best interest of the patient,” the release, however, noted.

A Global Rescue Air Ambulance departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at approximately 14:25 hrs Saturday and is expected to arrive in New York by 23: 30 hrs. The girl is accompanied by her mother.

The mother will receive support from the Northwell Hospital which has reportedly waived all costs for medical care.

The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, who is presently serving as Guyana’s UN Representative in New York, will give all necessary support to the mother and child.

The GPHC team, led by Head of the Burns Unit, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar and his team of doctors, were on hand to assist in the movement of the patient from GPHC to CJIA.

The Hospital’s Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr Navin Rambaran and other GPHC doctors alongside GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer Robbie Rambarran, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony and his Advisor Dr. Leslie Ramsammy were there to give support.

It was noted that President Dr. Irfaan Ali agreed that the child should receive the best care available for burn victims.

The local hospital team had discussions with several of the top hospitals in the United States of America and it was agreed that the child would be best managed at the Northwell Burns Center.