The Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) convened a sensitization session with representatives of private and public hospitals and specialists involved in kidney transplantation to strengthen understanding of the regulatory requirements governing organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana.
The session brought together representatives from Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, and Woodlands Hospital Inc., as well as specialist clinicians, including intensive care physicians, nephrologists and transplant surgeons. The session formed part of HOATTA’s ongoing work to support the implementation of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act No. 1 of 2022 and to promote safe, ethical and quality-assured organ donation and transplantation services in Guyana.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of the HOATTA Secretariat, emphasized that certification is central to protecting patients and upholding the integrity of Guyana’s transplant programme under the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act No. 1 of 2022. She emphasized that “Certification is not about creating barriers. It is about setting the standard,” Dr. Gordon stated. “A standard that is our assurance to the public that any institution performing living kidney donation and transplantation in Guyana has the capacity, the team, the systems, and the safeguards to do so safely, ethically, and transparently.”
Chairperson of HOATTA, Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, provided an overview of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act No. 1 of 2022 (the Act No.1 of 2022), the establishment and role of HOATTA, and the Agency’s statutory mandate. Particular attention was given to the provisions of the Act No.1 of 2022 relating to the Designated Officer and Designated Hospital, and their importance within the regulatory framework for organ and tissue transplantation. Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony further noted that, “in accordance with Act No. 1 of 2022 and the related regulations and policies, HOATTA is mandated to establish the framework and standards for certification. At the same time, recognizing the local context and the challenges that hospitals may face in meeting certain mandatory certification requirements, HOATTA stands ready to work collaboratively with hospitals to identify gaps and support the strengthening of capacity in the areas where support is needed.”
This emphasized the mandatory requirement of having a Transplant Coordinator for certification. Dr. Singh-Anthony further explained that the certification process will follow a structured three-step approach. First, a health facility seeking certification as a transplant centre will submit an application to HOATTA. Second, upon receipt and review of the application, HOATTA will appoint a Health Facility Certification Assessment Team to conduct an assessment of the facility against the established certification framework and standards. Third, where the outcome of the assessment is a recommendation for certification, HOATTA will make a formal recommendation to the Minister of Health for the designation of the health facility as a Transplant Centre, in accordance with Act No. 1 of 2022.
The core of the session was a detailed review of the Transplant Center Certification Manual, presented by Dr. David Samaroo, Member of HOATTA and focal point for the certification process. The Manual outlines the requirements and process for attaining institutional certification as a Transplant Center. Dr. Samaroo guided participants through the key requirements, including technical human resources, infrastructure and equipment, clinical protocols, standard operating procedures, guidelines, and other essential institutional requirements. He encouraged the hospital leadership to prioritise the mandatory requirements and put in place the necessary measures to ensure compliance. In addition to the other mandatory requirements, the certification framework places particular emphasis on the establishment of a multidisciplinary kidney transplant team, comprising of qualified transplant and/or vascular surgeons, nephrologists, transplant nurses, and other related professionals. The team brings together the necessary clinical and technical expertise to support the evaluation of donors and recipients, transplantation, post-transplant care, and the management of potential complications.
He further explained that, during the assessment process, the Health Facility Certification Assessment Team will categorize each requirement as fully met, partially met, or not met. Based on the findings, recommendations will be provided to address identified gaps and strengthen the facility’s readiness for certification. Dr. Samaroo emphasized that HOATTA, together with the Health Facility Certification Assessment Team, stands ready to work collaboratively with hospitals to provide guidance and support in addressing identified gaps and building the capacity required to meet the certification requirements.
“Certification is not simply about meeting a set of requirements; it is about ensuring that every transplant centre has the people, systems, infrastructure and processes in place to provide safe and quality transplant services. While the requirements are mandatory, our approach is collaborative. HOATTA is committed to working with hospitals to identify gaps, strengthen capacity and support them on the pathway to certification.” — Dr. David Samaroo, Member of HOATTA and Focal Point for Certification Processes
In reacting to the session, Dr. Rita Gobin, Chair of the Institutional Review Board of the Ministry of Health, shared, “Living kidney transplantation can save and transform lives, but it must always protect the autonomy, safety, and dignity of both donor and recipient. Donation must be voluntary, based on fully informed consent, and free from coercion or financial inducement.” Dr. Gobin further shared that ” HOATTA’s certification process provides essential assurance that hospitals have the expertise, systems, and ethical safeguards required to deliver transplant services safely, transparently, and responsibly, while maintaining public trust.”
Mr. Enoch Gaskin, Chief Executive Officer of the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, shared on what certification would mean for his institution: “Certification will provide an opportunity for the St Joseph Mercy Hospital to directly contribute to a better quality of life for persons suffering from chronic kidney disease.”
Dr. Vilas Gobin, Chief Executive Officer of the Woodlands Hospital, also shared on the certification procedure: “Woodlands Hospital welcomes the publication of the Manual on Certification of Transplant Centres. It provides a clear framework for healthcare institutions to strengthen clinical governance, patient safety, and quality standards while supporting the development of safe, ethical, and internationally aligned transplant services in Guyana. We look forward to working closely with HOATTA as we develop the hospital’s Kidney Transplant Programme.”
In closing the session, Dr. Singh-Anthony encouraged participating hospitals to begin reviewing the certification document and to engage with HOATTA as they assess their current capacities and identify areas requiring further development.
The sensitization session represents another step in the development of a structured national framework for organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana and reflects HOATTA’s commitment to ensuring that transplantation services are delivered within a system that prioritizes patient safety, donor protection, ethical practice, quality of care and accountability.
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