Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI) chairman Dr Kh Palin on Wednesday emphasised the pressing need for increased awareness regarding swap transplants and overcoming familial barriers to deceased organ donation.
He highlighted the staggering demand for kidney transplants stating around 2 lakh people require kidney transplants each year in the country, however, only about 12,000 kidney transplants take place in the country due to lack of information on swap transplants and familial reluctance to consent to organ donation from deceased relatives.
Explaining the concept of swap transplants, the doctor elucidated that it involves an exchange of organs between two families facing blood group incompatibility, enabling them to overcome transplantation challenges.
Highlighting a notable breakthrough in medical history, Palin shared that three families had transcended cultural and religious barriers by consenting to kidney transplants from deceased donors. This development marks a significant milestone in Manipur's medical landscape, he added.
He also reiterated the potential of deceased organ donation, emphasising that eight different organs, including kidneys, liver, skin, cornea, intestines, and bones, could be transplanted from a single donor, thereby saving multiple lives.
Palin was speaking during the celebration of SHRI’s landmark achievement of completing 100 kidney transplants at its facility in Langol, Imphal West.
With the success of its first living donor kidney transplant in August 2016, the hospital has so far successfully transplanted 109 kidneys till date, he said, adding subsequent milestones include the first ABOI kidney transplant in Northeast India on October 26, 2021, and the first deceased donor transplant in Northeast India on August 2, 2023.
He attributed these accomplishments to meticulous planning and collaboration with organisations like the MOHAN Foundation and JNIMS.
Additionally, he highlighted the hospital's contribution to medical tourism, citing instances of international patients from Myanmar and Nagaland opting for kidney transplants at Shija Hospitals due to its affordability and quality care.
Comparing the cost of kidney transplants in neighbouring countries, Palin emphasised that the procedure, which costs approximately Rs. 60 lakhs in Thailand for Myanmar residents, is significantly more affordable at Shija Hospitals, where it is priced at around Rs. 8 lakhs.
As part of its commitment to patient welfare, Shija Hospitals also launched the "Shija Kidney Care Card" during the celebration, offering exclusive benefits to registered individuals.
Cardholders, including those with chronic kidney disease and a history of renal transplants, can avail themselves of discounts on laboratory and radiology investigations, as well as medications.
The event also featured heartfelt testimonials from kidney recipients, who expressed gratitude to the hospital's staff and doctors for their compassionate care and expertise.
