De Kinderen Hospital to start offering inpatient dialysis services next month – RHO

… institution records high outpatient intake over seven months

Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) Dr Fiaz Hassan announced on Thursday that inpatient dialysis services will be offered at De Kinderen Regional Hospital within the next month, as well as the establishment of a dedicated dialysis centre at Leonora Cottage Hospital by the end of 2026.

He stated that this is done in light of the significant advancements in dialysis care and free dialysis services, which will soon be available nationwide.
The RHO was at the time speaking at an event in observance of World Kidney Day 2026 under the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health”, where the importance of early detection and prevention was highlighted.
Head of Internal Medicine Dr Sara Baksh emphasised that kidney disease remains a major and often silent health concern in Guyana, driven by conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles. She stressed the need for increased awareness, early screening, and healthier living.

In addition, Medical Superintendent Dr Dhanraj Ramnandan stated that thousands of patients are already benefiting from services at the facility.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that since the hospital’s opening on August 11, 2025, to March 14, 2026, some 10,085 patients were recorded in the emergency department, and about 14,868 patients were seen in the outpatient department.
The data received from the hospital also shows that other services had a remarkable intake of patients.
Dental procedures recorded 3737, while diagnostic services remained in high demand, with 4993 ultrasounds, 8636 X-rays, and 1599 CT scans being documented.
Notably, the hospital recorded 316 deliveries during the short period, indicating a rise in maternal services in Region Three.

The intake of patients highlights the public’s confidence in Government health services and improved access to care along the West Demerara corridor.
Also, this aligns with the Government’s 2026 health budget, which allocates $161.1 billion to the sector to expand infrastructure, enhance maternal and child health services, and improve the quality of care nationwide.
In addition, the Ministry of Health provides for mothers through its Newborn Cash Grant initiative. Through this grant, more than 2000 newborns born in Guyana to a Guyanese mother will receive a $100,000 cash grant, costing the treasury $1.3 billion annually.
The De Kinderen Regional Hospital continues to strengthen regional healthcare, offering critical services such as safe delivery, diagnostic testing, and emergency care.
Meanwhile, the event on Thursday featured medical presentations, patient testimonials, health exhibitions, and recognition of sponsors and partners.
The observance reinforced the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyles, and collaborative action in reducing the burden of kidney disease and improving the quality of life.