The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Government of India, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, and Kalpataru Projects International Limited, launched an Artificial Limb Donation and Fitment Camp at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre today.
The initiative, organised in partnership with Jaipur Foot and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Seva Samiti, marks a significant step in providing life-changing prosthetic limbs to Guyanese citizens in need.
Delivering the feature address, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, expressed gratitude to the Government of India and Jaipur Foot for their swift collaboration in making this initiative possible:
“This partnership is transformational. Prosthetic limbs do not only restore mobility, they restore independence, dignity, and opportunity”, he said.
He added that “for many Guyanese who have lost limbs due to accidents or illnesses such as diabetes, access to affordable prostheses has been out of reach. Through this programme, we are eliminating barriers and giving people a second chance at life”.
Dr Anthony also highlighted the potential for Guyana to serve as a hub for rehabilitation services in the Caribbean, with opportunities for regional patients to access prosthetic care locally.
Beyond prosthetic support, the partnership opens avenues for broader healthcare collaboration, including training, telemedicine, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the integration of advanced medical technologies.
The Minister underscored Guyana’s commitment to building a world-class healthcare system, strengthened by international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Meanwhile, Dr Ariana Mangar, Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, emphasised the camp’s impact thus far.
“To date, we have already completed 35 prosthetic limbs and plan to deliver another 50 before the camp concludes on 30 August. Amputees from all regions will benefit from this initiative. Through the generous support of India and the expertise shared, we are expanding access to free, high-quality prosthetic limbs in Guyana”, she said.
Among the officials present were Dr Amit Talang, High Commissioner of India to Guyana; Ms Gail Miller-Garnett, High Commissioner of Belize to Guyana; Dr Serena Bender-Peltzwick, Deputy Programme Manager for Health Sector Development at CARICOM; the Head of Jaipur Foot, and other dignitaries.
Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Frank Anthony, giving brief remarks
Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Frank Anthony, joins officials from the Government of India, CARICOM, Jaipur Foot, and the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre at the launch of the Artificial Limb Donation and Fitment Camp in Georgetown