Sixteen paediatric cardiac procedures, including 10 complex open-heart surgeries, were successfully completed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) between September 28 and October 2, benefiting 13 children.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony visited the children recovering in the hospital's Paediatric High Dependency Unit on Tuesday, according to a release.

The procedures were performed under a Government initiative to widen access to specialised treatment for children with congenital heart defects.

A team of 18 from India's Apollo Hospitals worked alongside more than 50 GPHC health professionals. Besides the open-heart surgeries, the team carried out three device closures through catheterisation and three diagnostic catheterisations. Some patients underwent catheterisation before corrective surgery, which is why the 16 procedures benefited 13 children.

All 16 were successful, the release said. Three patients remain hospitalised for continued care, while the others have been discharged.

During the visit, Dr Anthony spent time with the children and their families and asked about their recovery.

According to the release, the procedures give the children and their families access to specialised care closer to home. The collaboration also allowed local health professionals to work with visiting specialists and gain experience in paediatric cardiac care.

The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare in Guyana through international partnerships, develop local expertise and expand services at GPHC.