GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – September 19, 2026 – In a significant commitment to improving pediatric healthcare access for vulnerable families across the nation, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali announced Saturday that the first cohort of children born with congenital heart defects will receive life-saving surgical intervention later this month.
Following a meeting with the parents of the children awaiting surgery held earlier that day, President Ali confirmed details of the medical initiative via his official Facebook page. The first phase of the program will bring a specialized medical team from India’s prominent Apollo Health Systems to Georgetown between September 28 and October 2, during which 17 children will undergo corrective heart surgery. After this five-day medical mission concludes, a second mission is scheduled for December, when an additional 10 children will receive the same life-saving treatment.
President Ali emphasized that the Guyanese government has already put all necessary administrative and medical protocols in place to ensure every identified case will be addressed by the first quarter of 2027. To eliminate additional financial and logistical burdens for participating families, the government will also cover transportation costs for all children, and provide free accommodation for those traveling to Georgetown from other regions of the country during the mission.
The announcement was made following a gathering that also included Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Robbie Rambarran and Guyana’s Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, alongside other senior government health officials, all of whom met directly with the parents of the children scheduled for surgery.