MINISTER of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, has commended the Caribbean North Charity Foundation (CNCF) for its pivotal role in establishing the Burn Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), describing the organisation’s support as a transformative investment that has improved specialised healthcare and saved countless lives.
Speaking at a recognition ceremony held recently at Cara Lodge, Dr Anthony praised the Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Guyana’s health sector, noting that its assistance came at a time when the country lacked the financial resources needed to develop specialised medical services.
Reflecting on the early development of the Burn Care Unit during the 1990s, the Health Minister said the Foundation’s intervention was instrumental in making the facility a reality.
“At that time, the country did not have a lot of money, so the Foundation’s contributions were extremely helpful. We did not have a burn unit then, and without that support, we probably would not have been able to establish one,” Dr Anthony said.
He explained that a dedicated burn care facility is essential because patients with severe burns require specialised treatment and cannot be housed in general hospital wards due to the heightened risk of infection.
“It was hard work, but it all started because your team had the foresight to invest in this unit. That investment has made a tremendous difference in the lives of countless patients over the years,” he added.
The ceremony recognised the Caribbean North Charity Foundation for its enduring contribution to Guyana’s healthcare system and its role in strengthening specialised burn care services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
Among those attending the event were Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran; Head of the Burn Care Unit, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar; Chairman of the Caribbean North Charity Foundation, Harry Harakh, and Chargé d’Affaires at the High Commission of Canada to Guyana, Daniel Bood.
The Burn Care Unit has become a vital component of Guyana’s public healthcare system, providing specialised treatment for patients suffering from severe burn injuries and helping to improve survival rates and long-term recovery outcomes. The partnership between the Ministry of Health, GPHC and the Caribbean North Charity Foundation has been credited with expanding access to quality burn care and enhancing the country’s capacity to treat complex cases.
