The Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) has announced a three-step certification process for hospitals seeking to conduct kidney transplants. The announcement was made during a sensitisation 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 the 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. HOATTA’s Chairperson, Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony, explained that health facilities seeking certification as a transplant centre will first be required to submit an application. Secondly, 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. 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.

Moreover, during the session, Dr Singh-Anthony also provided an overview of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act, the establishment and role of HOATTA, and the Agency’s statutory mandate. Particular attention was given to the provisions of the Act relating to the Designated Officer and Designated Hospital, and their importance within the regulatory framework for organ and tissue transplantation. Dr Singh-Anthony 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, recognising 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.”