Six children with complex heart conditions have been identified for government-funded surgery in India because they may need advanced support after surgery that is unavailable in Guyana.

Their cases were identified during a cardiac mission at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where a joint local and Indian team performed 16 procedures on 13 other children. All 13 have since been discharged.

The Government has committed to covering the costs associated with treatment for the six children in India.

The mission brought together more than 50 GPHC medical professionals and 18 from India’s Apollo Hospitals to reduce the backlog of children awaiting treatment for congenital heart defects, conditions present from birth.

Between September 28 and October 2, the team performed 10 complex open-heart surgeries, three device closures and three diagnostic catheterisations.

Some children underwent more than one procedure.

Device closures use a small device to close openings in the heart. Diagnostic catheterisations allow doctors to examine the heart and blood vessels using a thin, flexible tube.

Cardiac surgeon Dr Kumar Gaurav led the visiting team, while GPHC’s Paediatric Department Head, Dr Tarik Davidson, coordinated the local team. This was GPHC’s third paediatric cardiac surgical intervention for 2026.

The hospital is preparing for another mission in December with Gift of Life International, during which approximately 10 open-heart surgeries are expected. At least three further programmes are scheduled for 2027.

Alongside the surgical missions, Operation Echo is working to reduce the backlog of children awaiting echocardiograms which are ultrasound examinations that assess the heart’s structure and function.

A Northwell Health team is conducting examinations at GPHC, with another team from Calgary, Canada, expected later in October.

The examinations will help identify children who need further treatment, including surgery.