Landmark achievement as GPHC conducts first closed-chain kidney transplant

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has reached a historic milestone with the successful completion of its first closed-chain kidney transplant, conducted between September and October this year. The landmark medical breakthrough involved eight individuals carefully linked through a coordinated series of lifesaving procedures. Over just four days, GPHC’s transplant team executed eight surgeries.

GPHC Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran, hailed the accomplishment as a defining moment not just for Guyana but for the wider Caribbean.

At a press briefing on Thursday, Rambarran said the achievement reflects years of investment in advanced surgical technologies, the expansion of the transplant team, and a consistent focus on safety, clinical excellence, and compassionate care.

“This milestone builds on years of structured development and success,” Rambarran said, adding that the hospital’s increased surgical capacity will allow many more patients—particularly those in underserved communities—to access life-changing transplant services. With 30 kidney transplants already performed this year, GPHC now leads the Caribbean in this critical medical field.

Head of Transplant Surgery, Dr Kishore Persaud, commended the collective effort of nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and support staff.

“To the patients, thank you for the confidence you placed in us and for trusting us to carry out your surgery successfully,” he said.

What is a closed-chain kidney transplant?
Dr Persaud explained that the procedure involved a four-pair kidney transplant chain, used when patients have willing donors who are medically incompatible due to mismatched blood types or antibodies.

“With meticulous planning and the use of virtual cross-matching technology, our team was able to match each recipient with a compatible donor. This allowed every patient to receive a viable kidney, come off dialysis, and return to healthier, more productive lives,” he said.

Dr Persaud also emphasised that, contrary to public belief, the complex surgeries were performed entirely by Guyanese medical professionals at GPHC.

Patients speak of second chances
Recipient David Singh said he had unknowingly lived with kidney failure for years. Refused care in the United States, he returned to Guyana and met Dr Persaud.

“When I found a donor, they didn’t match. So I encourage others to consider donating. If you have a friend or family member in kidney failure, please donate. You won’t die—you’re saving a life,” Singh urged.

Another recipient, Kiran Hardyal, underwent his first kidney transplant in 2015. When his kidney failed again 18 months ago, he struggled to find a compatible donor.

“Being on dialysis isn’t easy; it drains you. As a second-time transplant patient, it was difficult. But when Dr Persaud explained chain transplant, I had hope again,” he said. Hardyal, now a husband and father, expressed immense gratitude for his second chance at life.

Donor Akeem Ault volunteered to help his mother but was found incompatible.

“My kidney was better suited for someone else. It might have failed in my mother’s body because of her antibodies. I still went through with the transplant because I trusted the doctors,” he said.

Ault described the lead-up to the procedure as a bonding experience.
“We became like a family. I’m glad everything went well and I have no regrets,” he added.

Guyana strengthening regional leadership
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, congratulated the team and reaffirmed Guyana’s emergence as a leader in transplant medicine.

“I want to congratulate the team at Georgetown Hospital and the donors. We are grateful for your confidence,” he said.

“You can hear from the patients how proud and relieved they are to have received these kidneys, which will allow them to return to normal, healthy lives.”