GPHC Achieves Landmark C-Section for Woman with Rare Bleeding Disorder
Another Historic First
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has reached another major medical milestone with the successful Caesarean section delivery of a pregnant woman living with Haemophilia A, a rare bleeding disorder.
This marks the first Caesarean section (CS) ever performed in Guyana on a patient diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, and both mother and baby are doing well and were discharged in stable condition with a clear follow-up plan. Haemophilia is an inherited condition that affects the body’s ability to clot blood. During childbirth or surgery, it can lead to severe, life-threatening bleeding if not carefully managed. In this case, the risks were high. Still, through careful planning, specialised care, and strong teamwork, the surgery was completed successfully with minimal expected bleeding and no need for blood transfusion.
The patient underwent a planned Caesarean section after detailed antenatal assessment and preparation. A comprehensive bleeding management plan was developed jointly by GPHC’s Haematology and Obstetrics teams. A special clotting factor medication was given around the time of surgery, along with medicines to reduce bleeding, and the patient was closely monitored before, during, and after delivery. Importantly, this patient was first seen with severe anaemia, with a haemoglobin level of 4.8 (normal levels for women range from 12–16). Further testing and careful evaluation led to the final diagnosis of Haemophilia. It is important that if you are anaemic, experience heavy or prolonged bleeding, or feel something isn’t right, you get tested and see a doctor immediately.
This successful outcome was made possible through strong multidisciplinary collaboration. The Haematology team was led by Dr. Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu, Consultant Haematologist, with Dr. Jamal Shamsudeen, Government Medical Officer, coordinating ongoing care. Obstetric care was led by Dr. Natasha France, Consultant Obstetrician, with surgical support from Dr. Shury, Registrar, along with anaesthesia, nursing, and laboratory teams. Until recently, limited access to clotting factor treatment and the absence of structured care pathways would have made such a case extremely high risk. Today, this success reflects GPHC’s growing capacity to manage complex medical conditions locally, reducing the need for overseas referral and improving outcomes for Guyanese patients.
This historic delivery is more than a medical success; it is a testament to teamwork, investment in specialised care, and GPHC’s evolving role as a national referral centre, delivering safe, evidence-based, and high-level care for the people of Guyana.
