The public hospital exclusively for organ transplantation to be set up in NIMHANS at a cost of ₹146 crore.
Published Jul 08, 2023 | 11:14 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 08, 2023 | 11:14 AM
One of the departments on the NIMHANS campus in Bengaluru. (iStock.jpg)
India’s first public hospital for organ transplantation will soon come up in Bengaluru.
Presenting the state Budget for 2023-24 in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the hospital would be set up at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).
“The nation’s first-ever public hospital dedicated to organ transplant will be established at NIMHANS at a cost of ₹146 crore,” Siddaramaiah announced on Friday, 7 July.
Establishing a public hospital dedicated to organ transplants marks a significant milestone in the healthcare field in India. Organ transplantation is a complex medical procedure requiring specialised facilities, skilled medical professionals, and stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure the successful transplantation of organs and the well-being of both donors and recipients.
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Medial experts lauded Karnataka’s decision to spearhead the endeavor, reflecting the state government’s commitment to advancing medical innovation and providing world-class healthcare services to its citizens.
By investing in this ambitious project, the government aims to address the growing demand for organ transplantation while maintaining the highest standards of medical ethics and patient care.
“If this happens it will be a boon for all patients awaiting transplants. This is because NIMHANS is such a good hospital where so many patients with brain, and head injuries get admitted,” Dr Arvind Canchi, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician of Trustwell Hospitals in Bengaluru, said.
“The hospital receives several brain-dead road-accident victims and stroke patients who are potential organ donors,” he added.
Establishing a hospital exclusively for organ transplantation in the public sector has several advantages. It will significantly increase access to life-saving organ transplants for patients who may otherwise have limited options due to financial constraints.
The provision of affordable transplant services will alleviate the burden on patients and their families, providing hope and improved quality of life.
Additionally, the public hospital will promote transparency and accessibility in the organ transplant process.
“The commitment to establishing the nation’s first public hospital dedicated to organ transplant sets a global benchmark in healthcare delivery, demonstrating exceptional foresight and innovation in addressing critical health issues. It’s arguably one of the best health initiatives worldwide,” public health expert and renowned epidemiologist Dr Giridhara R Babu told South First.
Dr R Sandeep, Group COO of Hosmat Hospital in Bengaluru welcomed the government initiative. “Establishing a transplant centre is very welcome. Overall it is one of the best budgets we have come across in recent times,” he said.
The proposed hospital would provide world-class transplantation services, fostering medical advancements and research.
The state government has also announced establishing FibroScan — or transient elastography — for detecting cirrhosis and cancer patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern in recent years, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Among the complications associated with NAFLD, cirrhosis and liver cancer pose significant threats to patients.
FibroScan. (Sourced)
Traditional methods for identifying cirrhosis and liver cancer often involve invasive procedures, such as liver biopsies, which can be uncomfortable, risky, and time-consuming.
Moreover, these invasive techniques may not always accurately reflect the overall condition of the liver.
However, the FibroScan technology offers a much-needed alternative, enabling physicians to assess the health of the liver quickly and accurately.
One of the key advantages of FibroScan is its ability to screen a large number of patients in a short period. As the procedure takes only a few minutes, it significantly reduces the burden on healthcare facilities and allows for early intervention and timely treatment.
Additionally, FibroScan is well-tolerated by patients, making it an ideal choice for regular monitoring of liver health.
The availability of FibroScan has been met with enthusiasm from the medical community. By streamlining the diagnostic process and improving accuracy, FibroScan enables physicians to intervene earlier in the disease progression, potentially leading to better outcomes for NAFLD patients.
