Health Ministry mourns passing of Dr Roger Luncheon

WE extend our deepest sympathies [sic] and condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr Roger Luncheon, who recently passed away after a long struggle with poor health.

Dr Luncheon’s passing on August 2, 2023, has left the health sector and medical profession in mourning His loss is deeply felt in the health sector and across Guyana

Dr Luncheon left a lasting impact on our country through his contributions to politics and healthcare His legacy will be remembered for many years to come

Dr. Luncheon received his education and training in the USA He became Guyana’s first Nephrologist and dedicated almost two decades of service at the Georgetown Hospital During his early years, he worked alongside a group of renowned doctors, including Dr Deen Sharma, the only urologist on staff; Dr Ramsundar Doobay, the medical specialist; Dr Bud Lee, the surgeon; Dr Moti Lall and several others He returned to Guyana in the early 1970s and served as a public servant from the very beginning of his return

From the moment he returned to Guyana he was a devoted supporter of Dr Cheddi Jagan For over two decades, from the early 1970s to 1992, he served the Georgetown Public Hospital with unwavering dedication. He not only provided his patients with the best quality medical care, but he also showed them kindness and patience

He made himself available to see patients at his home and even visited them in their homes Known as “Doc” to many Guyanese, he was beloved by thousands Even as he pursued political work throughout Guyana, he always made time to visit those who were sick

Despite his long career in Guyana, he never accepted payment as a private doctor and relied solely on his public servant sal- ary His home visits and medical services were always provided pro bono, as acts of generosity.

During the 1980s, Dr Luncheon played various roles in the healthcare industry He worked as a doctor at the Georgetown Hospital and also served as a mentor to many doctors who are now considered veterans in Guyana

Additionally, he was a teacher and lecturer at the University of Guyana’s Medical School when it was established in the late 1980s Dr Luncheon taught several of the medical school’s brightest students, who are now shining stars in the field

Roger Luncheon was a trusted adviser to the Ministry of Health for nearly 50 years, despite his political opposition to the government prior to 1992

Please see the full statement from the Ministry of Health on the passing of Dr. Roger Lucheon

He continued to provide guidance to the Minister of Health and government officials until his passing on August 2, 2023 Although his role may not have been necessary or well-received between 2015 and 2020, he remained willing to offer any assistance he could

During his time as the Head of the Presidential Secretariat from 1992 to 2015, Dr Luncheon coordinated all Cabinet Sub-Committees, including the Sub-Committee on Health

He played a vital role in advancing healthcare in Guyana by overseeing the development and implementation of programmes such as Cardiology, Transplant, Dialysis, and Radiotherapy

Dr Luncheon ’ s unwavering support ensured the successful establishment of a post-graduate programme in surgery, despite opposition from many within and outside of Guyana This programme has grown to 18 specialist areas

Additionally , he provided significant support for other programmes at the University of Guyana, including the nursing and physiotherapy degree programmes Without Dr Luncheon’s contributions, these programmes would not have been possible

During the Ministry of Health’s efforts to reform and transform the legal and legislative framework for the health sector , Dr Luncheon provided valuable support to Health Minister Gail Teixeira

Specifically, he played a vital role in the introduction of the Termination of Pregnancy Bill in Parliament and supported amendments to the Medical Council and Nursing Council laws

Dr Luncheon also contributed to the creation of several important acts, including the Ministry of Health Act, the Health Facilities Licensing Act, the Allied Health