Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran has commended operations at the Doobay Renal Centre Inc at Lusignan, noting that its low cost and efficient service in providing outpatient care for persons suffering from renal failure has given patients a new lease on life.
The minister said the Centre meets international standards, is well organised and aids in capacity building in the public health sector with the attachment of nurses from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He visited the facility on Monday.
“That means that the staff we have seconded here for experience and training will benefit,” he said, according to a Government Information Agency press release. Ramsaran also noted that the institution has donated two dialysis chairs to the GPHC whose dialysis unit is expected to become functional this year, and he anticipates a continued relationship with the institution which reflects a good private/public partnership.
Dr Ramsaran explained that many of the acutely ill patients at the GPHC, and other hospitals are referred to the clinic for outpatient care when they have been stabilised. He also expressed appreciation to the 5G dialysis Centre, in Georgetown for its pioneering efforts.
GINA said dialysis treatment can be costly depending on the level of renal failure. In the light of this, government has been providing part-funding, of up to US$5000, to patients who are sent overseas for this treatment. As Guyana builds its own capacity in the public health care system, more patients will be able to seek such care at home.
The minister said that in order for a patient to access financial assistance he/she would have to present the relevant (medical) paperwork indicating the need for the treatment. He also noted that as more specialized medical care becomes available in Guyana, costs will decrease.
According to GINA, when the specialty hospital is built, citizens will be able to access specialised medical care that is cost effective. The Doobay Centre is a not-for-profit company that provides dialysis at a reduced cost. In addition, patients praise the institution and its staff for making them comfortable while being treated, which takes up to four hours. Dialysis treatment is done thrice weekly.
Most of the patients at the institution are Guyanese who were referred from hospitals including GPHC and the Diamond hospital. The Centre also serves persons visiting Guyana who need treatment. Work is currently ongoing on another building in the same compound which will serve patients with heart conditions and those recovering from stroke. Laboratory services will also be available when the new facility is opened on Sunday.
