Guyana to Acquire Second Cardiac Catheterization Lab for Georgetown Public Hospital in 2024

The Guyana government has announced plans to acquire a second cardiac catheterization laboratory for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in 2024. This new facility will complement the existing cardiac catheterization lab at the hospital, which has been operational since 2019.

The addition of the second lab is anticipated to considerably enhance the GPHC's capacity to provide specialized cardiac care and treatment to patients in Guyana. It will improve access to critical cardiac services for residents of Regions Three, Four, and Five.

At the hospital's second annual Cardiology Symposium, GPHC Chief Executive Officer Robbie Rambarran highlighted the substantial investments made in the hospital's cardiology department. These investments have led to a significant increase in patient care, including 2,538 cardiology scans, 14,249 echocardiograms, 220 stress tests, 616 angiograms, 286 stent replacements, and 49 pacemaker implants in 2023.

The hospital has also invested in training and education, with the graduation of six nurses from the inaugural batch of the cardiovascular nurses degree program and two technicians who acquired a post-graduate diploma in echocardiography. Additionally, 20 nurses completed the Congenital Heart Disease training curriculum.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony noted that the Guyanese government has made significant investments in the health sector, particularly in cardiology, over the past 3-4 years. This has led to substantial improvements in cardiovascular care, including the adoption of the 'HEARTS' protocol, the introduction of new and more effective medications, and the expansion of diagnostic services like EKGs and ultrasounds at the primary healthcare level.

The number of patients accessing cardiology services at GPHC has increased significantly, from 80 in 2019 to 825 in 2023. The government has also restarted the Pediatric Cardiac program, which was previously stopped between 2015-2020, and is working to develop national guidelines for cardiovascular care to standardize the system.

Why this matters: The acquisition of a second cardiac catheterization lab and the government's investments in cardiology services will greatly improve access to critical cardiac care for the people of Guyana. These advancements are vital in addressing the country's burden of cardiovascular diseases and improving overall health outcomes.

Dr. Anthony emphasized that the government's focus on primary healthcare and preventative medicine has helped reduce the burden of cardiovascular complications. He also mentioned the introduction of telemedicine in remote areas and the implementation of the PAHO HEARTS protocol in 171 health centers across the country to improve cardiovascular care, while noting the need to address patient compliance with the new guidelines and medications.

Key Takeaways

• Guyana to acquire 2nd cardiac cath lab for GPHC in 2024 to enhance cardiac care.
• GPHC performed 2,538 cardiology scans, 14,249 echos, 220 stress tests in 2023.
• Guyana trained 6 nurses in cardiovascular nursing, 2 techs in echocardiography.
• Govt invested in cardiology, adopted HEARTS protocol, expanded diagnostic services.
• Cardiology patients at GPHC increased from 80 in 2019 to 825 in 2023.