Monday , the Neurosurgery Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) hosted a special awareness session in observance of World Neurosurgery Day 2024. This event marks a significant milestone in the journey of neurosurgical care at GPHC and underscores the remarkable progress made since the establishment of the department in 2015.
Led by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, the Neurosurgery Department at GPHC has transformed the landscape of neurosurgical care in Guyana. Prior to 2015, access to specialized neurosurgical interventions was limited, often resulting in dire consequences for patients with severe head injuries or neurological conditions. However, with the return of Dr. Dukhi and the establishment of the department, GPHC has emerged as a beacon of hope for those in need of neurosurgical care.
Since its inception, the Neurosurgery Department has witnessed exponential growth, offering a wide range of intricate and dynamic surgical procedures, including but not limited to brain tumours, cerebral bleeds, spinal cord tumours, and fractured skulls. This expansion of services has been accompanied by a commitment to education and capacity building, exemplified by the launch of the third recognized residency program in the Caribbean via the Institute of Health Science Education (IHSE). Dr. Dukhi, the Program Coordinator, emphasized the importance of propagating neurosurgical care and building human capacity not only in Guyana but throughout the Caribbean.
Moreover, recognizing the urgent need for decentralization of neurosurgical care, Dr. Dukhi outlined plans to extend services to regional hospitals such as Suddie, New Amsterdam, and Linden. This strategic initiative aims to reduce mortality rates associated with traumatic neurosurgery by ensuring timely access to specialized care.
Dr. Dukhi also articulated the hospital’s ambitious goal of developing a neurosurgical suite at GPHC that meets international standards, thus positioning GPHC as a leader in neurosurgical excellence within the region.
On World Neurosurgery Day, GPHC celebrates the remarkable growth of the Neurosurgery Department, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a provider of advanced and life-saving procedures. The hospital extends its heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff of the department, including Dr. Dukhi, Dr. Saban, Dr. Sanchez, Dr. Conway, resident doctors Dr. Singh and Dr. Allicock, as well as GMOs Dr. Azeez and Dr. Fredericks.
Currently, the Neurosurgery Clinic at GPHC serves an average of 40-60 patients weekly, with hundreds more admitted and treated monthly for both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Access to the clinic is referral-based, ensuring equitable access to neurosurgical care for all residents of Guyana.
Dr. Dukhi, who also serves as the Chief Neurosurgeon, highlighted the department’s impressive track record, with an average of 150-200 surgical interventions annually and a survival rate exceeding 90%.
Furthermore, the department has witnessed a surge in demand for pediatric neurosurgical care, particularly from babies in the interior regions of the country. Cases such as neural tube defects, which require specialized surgical intervention, have been successfully treated at GPHC since the establishment of the department.
As GPHC continues to advance its mission of providing world-class neurosurgical care, the hospital remains committed to serving the healthcare needs of the Guyanese population with compassion, expertise, and dedication.
