–Dr. Hardat Persaud remembered for his stellar work in the medical field

The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Health on the passing of renowned paediatrician, Dr. Hardat Persaud:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Hardat Persaud, a highly respected doctor in Guyana who died on January 14, 2024, at age 61. Dr. Persaud was a remarkable individual who devoted his life to the well-being of children. As a compassionate and skilled Paediatrician, he was a true advocate for the health and happiness of young ones, and his contributions to the field will be greatly missed.

Dr Persaud, affectionately known as the “Baby Doctor,” was a beacon of light, a source of comfort, and a pillar of strength for innumerable families. Over the past 30 years, his work has profoundly impacted the lives of the children and families he served, extending beyond the walls of his clinic and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. Thousands of families have entrusted the health and welfare of their children to his expert and loving care. There are now young adults with their children for whom Dr Hardat was their paediatrician.

Although people admired his competence and expertise, they were primarily drawn to him because of his humility, generosity, and availability. He was compassionate and dedicated to helping others as much as possible, and he conveyed this quality to everyone he met through his actions, not just his words. He was the quintessential family physician.

Dr Persaud went above and beyond his role as a Medical Professional. He was a mentor, a confidant, and a source of reassurance for parents navigating the complexities of raising children. His gentle touch and warm smile transformed routine check-ups into moments of shared understanding and empathy. Through his wisdom and guidance, he not only treated physical ailments but also provided invaluable support to parents in nurturing their children’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Dr. Persaud had an exceptional academic background. Dr Hardat received his MD degree from the Russian Friendship University in Moscow, Russia, in 1990 after being granted a scholarship by the Government of Guyana to pursue medicine. He earned his post-graduate certification in Pediatric Esophagogastroduodenoscopy from the same university in 1993. He completed his studies and certification in Special Care Nursery through a Neonatology Fellowship at University Hospital, University of the West Indies, Jamaica, in 1995. Dr Hardat consistently ranked among the top students in his academic endeavours.

Dr Persaud had an illustrious career in various positions within Guyana’s health sector. He spent over 30 years as a paediatrician, serving the public and private sectors. Between 1993 and 1999, he worked as the Head of Paediatrics at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Following this, he briefly worked at Prashad’s Hospital before leaving in 2000 to focus on his full-time private practice at Woodlands Hospital, where he worked until his recent illness.

Dr. Hardat was not only responsible for being the paediatrician at GPHC, but he also played a significant role in developing Guyana’s paediatric primary care programme. He was a vital resource contributing to the evaluation of neonate care in the outlying regions of the country and the development of national treatment guidelines and paediatric care protocols.

He was one of the key persons who initially conceptualised the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Even when he worked as a private practitioner, he continued to support the Ministry by being one of the private practitioners who strongly supported the Ministry’s immunisation goals. He was among the few private practitioners who championed the HPV vaccination programme.
Dr Persaud was a compassionate and dedicated medical professional who provided invaluable assistance in assessing and identifying children who required cardiac treatment overseas. He played a vital role in ensuring these children received the best care by carefully evaluating each case and providing accurate diagnoses. As a result of his dedication, many children were able to access treatment abroad and receive the care they need to improve their health and well-being.

In addition to his work with cardiac patients, Dr Persaud also devoted a significant amount of time and effort to managing autistic patients. He was committed to helping parents and other caregivers form support groups and raise awareness about autism, as well as providing the best possible care and support for patients with this condition. He worked closely with many voluntary organisations to do medical outreaches to underserved communities and always gave his expertise generously when asked to participate.

Dr. Persaud is a highly respected and distinguished educator who made a significant impact in the field of paediatric medicine. He devoted himself to mentoring and teaching hundreds of undergraduate students at the University of Guyana’s Medical School. His excellent teaching skills, vast knowledge, and experience helped his students excel academically and inspired them to pursue careers in paediatric medicine. Dr. Persaud also taught in the paediatric residency programme at the University of Guyana, contributing to the programme’s success. He is widely recognised in the medical community as a role model and a valuable asset to the university.

Dr. Hardat Persaud served on the Guyana Medical Council for a decade, from 2006 to 2016. During his tenure,he held an elected position and served as a valuable council member. His contributions to the Medical Council were invaluable, particularly in policy development.

Dr Persaud, in addition to being a well-known paediatrician, had an impressive talent for learning languages. He was fluent in not just one or two but six different languages, including Russian, Azerbaijanis, Spanish, French, German, and Hindi. It’s remarkable how he mastered such diverse languages spoken in different parts of the world. Furthermore, Dr Persaud was an ardent gardening enthusiast, a hobby he pursued passionately during his free time. His garden was breathtaking, filled with various beautiful and exotic plants that he lovingly nurtured over the years.
Dr. Hardat’s legacy will always be a guiding light for his wife Tarana, two daughters – Tarana and Elmira, and his grandson, Dari.

He lived a simple and private life, focusing on serving the people he cared for through his work. Despite being among the most respected doctors in his field and beloved by many, he never sought public attention and preferred to contribute to his community quietly.

As we reflect on the legacy of Dr Persaud, let us remember the countless lives he touched and the difference he made to the children of Guyana. He leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, let us celebrate a life well-lived, a career dedicated to healing, and a legacy that will forever echo in the laughter and well-being of the children he cared for.

Rest in peace, dear friend. Your memory will forever live on in the hearts of those you touched, with your warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as to his patients.

The Ministry of Health wishes to extend our profound sympathy to his wife Tarana; his daughters –Tarana and Elmira; his son-in-law David; his grandchild Dari; and his entire family.”