Celebrated Guyanese heart surgeon receives Order of Canada

Jul 07, 2024 News

Kaieteur News – Celebrated Guyanese-Canadian heart surgeon and entrepreneur Dr. Budhendranauth Doodbay is among 83 appointees this year, to receive the Order of Canada.

Dr. Budhendranauth Doodbay

The Award was presented to Dr. Doobay on June 27, 2024 by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon. This distinguished award, established in 1967 as the second highest Canadian state honor, celebrates outstanding achievements and extraordinary contributions.

In a media statement, Governor General Mary Simon highlighted the significance of the Order of Canada, stating, “The Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have made positive and lasting impacts on communities here in Canada, or who have brought honour to our country abroad.”

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced 83 appointments to the Order of Canada included doctors, activists, artists and economists.

“The Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have made positive and lasting impacts on communities here in Canada, or who have brought honour to our country abroad,” the Governor General said in a media statement.

“Congratulations to the new appointees and thank you to the nominators who cast a spotlight on their achievement, purpose and exceptional talent,” she said.

Canadian- born pop punk musician, Avril Lavigne is among those who became a member of the Order, this year. The singer was granted the order for her career as a musician and her work supporting people with serious illnesses and disabilities. The Napanee, Ont. native has been open about her battle with Lyme disease.

Mellissa Fung, the acclaimed author, filmmaker and former CBC war correspondent, was made an officer of the order this year, for her advocacy for women and girls in war-torn countries.

For his part, Dr. Doobay is known for his role as a religious leader and mentor, is a prominent figure in the Indo-Canadian community. He is the founder of the Vishnu Mandir temple and the Gandhi Memorial Peace Garden, where he promotes the principles of Hinduism and advocates for unity in diversity across Canada.

Beyond his spiritual leadership, Doodbay is a noted philanthropist and humanitarian. He established Guyana’s Doobay Medical Centre, providing critical free dialysis treatment and promoting preventative healthcare.

Reflecting on his recognition, Doodbay expressed, “It is a humbling feeling because it is a good award and although I am heightened… I feel very humble, that I am among very few Guyanese who have got this award. It was quite humbling to say the least.”

Regarding his future plans to expand healthcare access, Doodbay mentioned, “We have four dialysis medical clinics and we are hoping to get one in Georgetown. I don’t know if it is a possibility but we would like to do that because people are coming from very far places.”

He added further, “There is one in Annandale, one in Diamond, one in New Amsterdam, and Parika. We have built a hospital in Annandale, and it just started so we hope it will function, and whatever revenue we get from the hospital will go toward helping poor people get dialysis.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Doodbay has received several prestigious awards, including the Order of Ontario, The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and recognition from the Toronto Police Service, among others, for his outstanding leadership and contributions.

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BudhendranauthDoodbay, Doobay Medical Centre, Governor General of Canada Mary Simon., Order or Canada Award, Vishnu Mandir temple

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