Dialysis, transplant demand exceeds GPHC’s capacity as 246 new patients start treatment

…2200 new patients have joined nephrology clinic since 2023
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) confirmed Wednesday that demand for dialysis and kidney transplant services is surpassing the institution’s current capacity, even as the hospital celebrates a historic medical milestone. A total of 246 new dialysis patients commenced treatment this year, contributing to a surge of severely ill admissions linked to interruptions or non-compliance with subsidised renal care.

This was revealed by GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran during a press conference held at the GPHC Resource Centre.
According to Rambarran, striking new data has revealed that between the period 2023 to present, the hospital’s nephrology clinic has registered 2200 new patients – growth he described as unprecedented.
“At Georgetown Hospital, from 2023 to date, we have registered 2200 new patients join our nephrology clinic. We have 360 patients on dialysis, of which 246 started this year. These are some alarming numbers. And this does not constitute what happens at other public health facilities and in the private sector. We have seen an increase in patients being admitted very sick; and [it is] the majority of them, because they don’t get their dialysis treatment. We have even seen that quite a number of those who are receiving the subsidies from the Government to take up that dialysis are not doing it, and they are being admitted to the hospital. Today we have 29 patients who are in the hospital, of which 20 are on dialysis,” Rambarran disclosed.
Against this backdrop, the chief executive officer explained that the rising demand for both dialysis and kidney transplants has now surpassed available clinical supply, likening the moment to an industry red alert.
“So, the demand for dialysis, kidney transplant, I can say exceeds our capacity. And this certainly is a call for action. And I know this goodly man sitting on my right is an action man, so he got some action planned. Our hospital has invested in leading-edge surgical technologies and expanded our transplant team of surgeon, nephrologist, transplant coordinator, and support staff. And we are proud of our outcome, which reflects our commitment to safety, clinical excellence, and compassionate patient care. We have recently increased the capacity to perform more transplants, reduce waiting times, broaden access for underserviced communities,” He added.
Guyana now leads the Caribbean region in completed kidney transplants for 2025, recording 13 procedures so far – far exceeding regional counterparts. To place the achievement in context, Rambarran listed the year’s transplant figures from neighbouring states: Antigua has completed two, Barbados three, Trinidad and Tobago three, the Bahamas one, and Jamaica none thus far – while Guyana stands at 13.
The Guyana Government provides a yearly $600,000 cash grant to citizens who need haemodialysis treatment through an initiative managed by the Ministry of Health.
This programme has significantly increased the number of patients receiving the life-sustaining treatment, with hundreds benefiting annually and 600 patients expected to be assisted in the most recent budget. The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has also been certified as Guyana’s first Kidney Transplant Centre, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s medical capabilities.