Managing Director of Woodlands, Dr Neville Gobin passes

… “Dr Gobin was a devoted Guyanese patriot” – Pres Ali

Managing Director of Woodlands Hospital and Resident Obstetrician-Gynaecologist, Dr Neville Bhagwandeen Gobin has passed away at the age of 75.
The hospital announced his passing on Thursday, sharing that he served in his capacity as Managing Director for over three decades, where he worked tirelessly to ensure that patients visiting the hospital were provided with the best possible care.
“The Woodlands Team remains committed to continuing his legacy,” the hospital penned in their announcement.
For decades, Dr Gobin has been a renowned OB-GYN, saving the lives of many and delivering thousands of babies. After his death, there was an outpouring of condolences, with many sharing his contributions during their pregnancies.
In offering his condolences, President Dr Irfaan Ali expressed, “Dr Gobin was a devoted Guyanese patriot who served the country’s medical field for decades. His selfless dedication to his work has left a significant void in the health sector. May his soul rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also issued a statement, describing his passing as a huge loss to Guyana. Gobin was regarded as a distinguished medical professional and a true pillar of the healthcare community, who has left an incredible legacy of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the field of medicine.
His early education in India culminated in the achievement of his MBBS, after which he returned to Guyana and commenced his career as an intern at the public hospital in Georgetown.
In the early 1980s, driven by a thirst for knowledge and excellence, Dr Gobin returned to India to complete his post-graduate diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology. Upon returning home in 1984, he became a private doctor at Woodlands Hospital, where he would go on to shape the healthcare landscape in Guyana for nearly four decades.
“Dr Gobin’s leadership at Woodlands Hospital was transformative. Serving as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for the majority of his tenure, he successfully propelled the hospital from a small private facility to one of the leading medical institutions in the Caribbean. His commitment to innovation was evident in the introduction of pioneering medical services, including the first comprehensive ultrasound service, ultrasound-guided surgery, MRI, CT scan, and the first fully automated laboratory in Guyana,” the Ministry said in its statement.
The late doctor was also a trailblazer in the medical field, performing numerous surgical interventions for gynaecological cancers. In early 2023, he introduced Guyana’s first stem cell therapy for patients, which marked a significant milestone in the country’s medical landscape.
As Chairman of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, he played a pivotal role in improving maternal health services in the public sector. His commitment to addressing systemic issues and enhancing antenatal care demonstrated a profound dedication to the well-being of mothers and infants in the community.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Dr Gobin was a compassionate community activist. He volunteered for various medical outreaches and served as the President of the Family Planning Association of Guyana, contributing to the formulation and enactment of progressive legislation, including the Termination of Pregnancy Act in 1996. Dr Neville Gobin’s life was characterised by an unyielding commitment to improving healthcare in Guyana. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the students he inspired, and the advancements he spearheaded,” the Ministry added.
Dr Gobin was bestowed with the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) in 2020 for his tireless efforts in advancing maternal and child health, as well as his contributions to the overall improvement of healthcare services in the country.