The United States’ Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) has successfully completed a two-week medical mission in partnership with Guyana’s Ministry of Health.
During the period February 20 through March 3, 2023 the LAMAT team, in collaboration with local surgeons and techs, performed more than 96 surgeries, treated more than 83 emergency room patients and provided care to more than 1400 dental patients including children and the elderly. The LAMAT team repaired x-ray machines at the Diamond Hospital and West Demerara Regional Hospital.
The LAMAT medical mission not only directly improved the lives of many Guyanese citizens, but also strengthened the close bilateral relationship by providing vital knowledge exchanges and hands-on experience to address challenges in medical and humanitarian assistance.
LAMAT team member Lt Col Katherine Hetz said, “It was an incredibly rewarding opportunity to work with the Guyanese medical professionals over the last two weeks. They are incredible in the craft with the resources available, and I will never forget this experience.”
LAMAT, part of the U.S. Southern Command’s (USSOUTHCOM’s) Enduring Promise mission was composed of 29 U.S. Air Force and Army medical and dental professionals and support staff who provided free general surgery and emergency room care and dental care at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and West Demerara Regional Hospital. The team also provided the medicines and supplies necessary for the operations and donated surplus supplies to the hospitals. Approximately $230,000 US dollars in supplies were donated to medical facilities.
The LAMAT team will proceed on to St. Lucia for the final leg of the mission, having recently completed operations in Guyana and Suriname.
