The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, in collaboration with the Centre for Global Health, Northwell Health, hosted an inauguration ceremony for the Electroconvulsive Therapy Clinic. The event marked a significant milestone in advancing mental health care services in Guyana.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment for severe mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, especially when other treatments fail.
The ceremony, held on Friday last, brought together Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, health professionals, administrators, and representatives from Northwell, who played a key role in establishing the program.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Medical and Professional Services shared that that, “through this partnership, ten physicians and anaesthesiologists have received training and certification in ECT, ensuring that we have the expertise to deliver this highly specialised service locally. Additionally, Northwell has generously donated two ECT machines to support the establishment of Guyana’s first ECT clinic.”
The first ECT procedure was performed in September of 2024 and from then 28 patients with complex psychiatric conditions such as major depressive episodes, schizophrenia and catatonia have successfully been treated. This resulted in a reduced suicide risk, shorter hospital visits, and a renewed hope for their families, who have exhausted all other treatment options.
He further emphasised that this is not only a clinical advancement, but also a major step forward in strengthening our mental health system.
“It demonstrates what is possible when international collaboration, local leadership, and institutional commitment come together in service of our patients,” the GPHC noted in a statement.
“As we officially inaugurate this ETC clinic, we are confident that this initiative will continue to transform lives, reduce stigma, and place Guyana at the forefront of innovative mental health care delivery in the region,” it added.
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