After conducting a successful kidney transplant for the first time here in Guyana, the team of doctors which made the operation a success was last evening presented with awards, indicating Munesh Mangal’s (the kidney patient) appreciation for giving him another chance to live. Caribbean Airlines, Buddy’s International Hotel and the Neal and Massy Group were also awarded for their participation in making the surgery a successful one. All told, those who received awards were Dr. Melanie Guerrero, Dr. Edward Falta, Dr. Arthur Womble, Dr. Rahul Jindal, Nurse Laura Owen, Jas Persaud, General Manager for Caribbean Airlines, Carlton Defour, Mr. Sanders also of Caribbean Airlines, Neal and Massy representative, Shameer Hoosein, and Om Prakash Shivraj. Special mention was also given to Tony Yassin, Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, and Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall among others for their contribution toward making the surgery a success
The initiative to have the operation done in Guyana was spearheaded by New York-based Guyanese, Mr. George Subraj, after he saw a flyer that was being circulated for financial
assistance for the kidney patient. The awards ceremony, which was held last evening at Buddy’s International Hotel in Providence, East Bank Demerara, attracted Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Michael Khan and Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran. Mr. Ramkarran noted that the success of the kidney transplant is a momentous occasion for Guyana and he thanked the surgeon, Dr. Rahul Jindal, for giving life to Munesh Mangal. “When I heard about the project two months ago, I became immediately sympathetic. I understand the trauma of finding money every week for dialysis treatment,” Mr Ramkarran said. In a case like this, the doctors and the supporting team dedicated their willingness, time, energy and resources to make it a success, Mr Ramkarran said. The man who put together the entire project, George Subraj, said the venture was not an easy one, as there were a lot of stumbling blocks. He, however, noted that more such transplants will be conducted here in Guyana, as he committed to facilitate at least five more kidney transplants.
Subraj explained that when he first heard of Munesh Mangal’s problem he started to investigate. When he came to Guyana and visited the family’s home in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, Subraj said that tears came to his eyes, as he realized how poor the family was.Dr. Rahul Jindal who conducted the surgery said that it is a unique story for Guyana. He explained that the 18-year-old is recovering favourably at the hospital, and he is in ‘high spirits’.
Mr. Subraj, who facilitated the entire process, sought the assistance of Caribbean Airlines which sponsored the tickets for the team; the owner of Buddy’s International Hotel who accommodated the team at a reduced rate; and a few others who have helped in the area of providing meals for the team since their arrival here in Guyana. Meanwhile, Mr. Subraj has not only assisted Guyana medically, but has also helped in the Information Technology field. Recently, he facilitated the construction of a computer laboratory at the Cove and John Ashram. It was revealed last evening that another such laboratory will be constructed there some time this year.