Medical stalwart Dr Chatterdeo passes on

Condolences have been pouring following news of the sudden passing of Dr Seepersaud Chatterdeo – renowned paediatrician and Head of the Paediatrics Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The doctor, who died on Sunday morning, was regarded as a leading paediatrician in the country. In recognising his work, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted that Chatterdeo was a teacher to several medical students and interns. He also dedicated his life to the profession.
“He dedicated his young life to ensuring his students had all his attention and benefited from his knowledge and experience. He treated his students as his sisters and brothers. Dr Chatterdeo also contributed immensely to the continuing medical education programme for practising physicians in Guyana,” the Minister said.
Dr Anthony contended that Guyana has lost a valuable citizen, who would be difficult to replace. “He passed at a time when his services were highly needed,” the Minister added.

“Just as families spoke of their great admiration for his professionalism and expertise, they also spoke of his gentleness, generosity and kindness. The families that he served over the years attest to his caring predisposition and even though they might have come from far distances to see him, he made them all feel like family…The Ministry asked that our prayers and support be extended to his family at this most difficult time in their lives.”
Also extending condolences was Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who attended Queen’s College with Dr Chatterdeo. In highlighting his qualities, Nandlall said, “In school, unlike me, he was always quiet, reserved and studious. He later pursued studies in medicine and unsurprisingly, quickly, became one of Guyana’s leading paediatrician. In his uniquely quiet fashion, he delivered top-quality medical services to our country’s most valuable asset – our children.”
The AG went on to say that the medical professional’s departure was untimely and he had much more to contribute.
“The medical profession has lost a stalwart. Our children have lost a great medical provider. Our nation has lost a great son. To his wife, children and other relatives, I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences. May his soul rest in peace,” Nandlall shared.

Dr Chatterdeo started his career as a pharmacist and later pursued medicine at the University of Guyana. He later pursued a Master of Medicine, specialising in paediatrics, at university, also serving as a tutor and assistant professor.
The University’s Medical Council also paid tribute, where one of the fourth-year students wrote, “Dr Chatterdeo was brilliant, gifted and prolific yet still, pure and humble. Each student taught by him can attest to the fact that he was gentle, inspiring and always ready to impart knowledge in a manner that never made students feel belittled or inadequate.”