Queens Philanthropic Foundation Sponsors First Ever Kidney Transplant in Suriname

NEW YORK - Sept. 10, 2019 - PRLog -- A Queens philanthropic organization has successfully sponsored the first-ever kidney transplant in the South American-Caribbean Republic of Suriname, bringing life-saving healthcare to residents who lack access to state-of-the-art medical services.

The operation, in which a husband donated a kidney to his wife, who had been surviving on dialysis for six years, represents a medical breakthrough for the South American/Caribbean nation, where an estimated 730 people remain on dialysis and renal failure is a persistent health threat.

The operation was performed Aug. 27 at the Academic Hospital in the capital city of Paramaribo, and sponsored by the Subraj Foundation, which has carried out scores of medical missions throughout the region and delivered critical care to thousands of people who otherwise could not afford it.

Dr. Rahul M. Jindal led the three-member surgical team in performing the 11-hour operation. Both patients are recovering.

The Subraj Foundation was begun by the late George Subraj, a native of Guyana who immigrated to Queens in the 1970s and launched a successful real estate firm that provides critical affordable housing throughout the region.

The Foundation has sponsored more than 50 kidney transplants, 100 corneal transplants, as well as pediatric cardiac surgeries in Guyana, all firsts for that nation, as well as continuing renal, and eye care for thousands.

"Our goal is not only to be pioneers in delivering these critical medical interventions in areas where the need is so great, but also to build the necessary healthcare infrastructure and knowledge so that residents can receive the ongoing care they need to improve health outcomes," said Tony Subraj, who runs the family foundation. "My father believed that there was no more important goal in life than helping others in need and we are continuing to expand our ability to bring these services to people in Suriname, Guyana, and beyond."

Over the past decade, the number of Suriname residents on dialysis has increased by over 300%, reflecting the increasing need for critical renal care. Kidney transplants improve quality of life by allowing patients to return to work and ultimately carry lower long-term costs.

Suriname, on the northeast coast of South America, is a member of the 15-nation Caribbean Community. Some 70% of its population lives below the poverty line and many lack adequate access to healthcare. It is a former Dutch colony that exploited the African slave trade and, after the abolition of slavery, indentured servants from Asia.