-by Celestine Chacon

Guyana’s healthcare system has undergone remarkable evolution in recent years, especially in the field of cardiac care.

This progress was highlighted by leading cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, who noted that Guyanese now have access to advanced cardiac services previously unavailable in the country.

In early 2012, Dr. Mahendra Carpen served as the only cardiologist in Guyana’s public healthcare system.  And according to him, he was able to witness the country’s medical transformation first-hand throughout his years of service. Dr. Carpen explained that Guyana has evolved from a time when patients had limited access to critical cardiac services such as electrocardiograms, angiograms, echocardiograms, and even bypass surgeries.

 He further explained that the healthcare system no longer has to bear the heavy cost of sending patients overseas for treatment as services ranging from basic cardiac screenings to advanced procedures are now available here.  

“We used to be sending patients outside of Guyana almost at US$50,000 per patient for cardiac care. And at the time, that was a significant drain on our budget, not to mention who are the patients selected to go for these kinds of treatments. Now, very rarely do we need to send patients anywhere overseas for cardiovascular care,” he pointed out.

 Citizens can now access services such as bypass surgeries for blocked arteries, valve replacements, pacemakers, implantations, defibrillators, angiograms, and several other cardiac treatments  offered in both the public and private health facilities in Guyana.