In a landmark development for healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj's Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital is gearing up to launch kidney transplant services. This move promises to bring advanced, life-saving treatment closer to home for countless patients in the Prayagraj division and surrounding regions who currently depend on expensive private facilities.
Infrastructure and Approval in Place
Technical preparations at the hospital are now complete, marking a significant achievement for Motilal Nehru Medical College and its associated SRN Hospital. A team of technical experts recently conducted a thorough inspection of the dedicated modular operation theatre located within the hospital's PMSSY building. Following this review, they granted the crucial approval to commence transplant procedures.
Hospital officials confirmed that all necessary infrastructure, advanced medical equipment, and stringent safety protocols required for conducting kidney transplants have been successfully established. Furthermore, the medical team assigned to perform these complex surgeries has undergone specialised, phased training to ensure the highest standards of care are met.
Structured Process for Donor and Recipient
Dr Dilip Chaurasia, head of the urology department at Motilal Nehru Medical College, outlined the meticulous process that has been finalised. This includes comprehensive counselling, detailed medical evaluation, and a series of diagnostic examinations for both the donor and the recipient. These steps are designed to prioritise the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
Dr Chaurasia revealed that the inaugural transplant at SRN Hospital is likely to be a living donor procedure, where a mother will donate one of her kidneys to her 23-year-old son. All mandatory pre-operative tests and evaluations for this pair have been completed successfully. The historic surgery is tentatively scheduled for either the last week of December or the first week of January, pending final logistical arrangements.
Affordable Care for the Community
This initiative is set to dramatically reduce the financial burden on patients. Dr Arvind Gupta, head of the nephrology department, highlighted the stark cost difference. Kidney transplants in private hospitals often exceed Rs 10 lakh, a sum far beyond the reach of many families. In contrast, SRN Hospital will provide this critical service at a significantly lower cost, offering immense relief to economically weaker sections of society.
The hospital's authorisation to conduct transplants follows an inspection by a three-member team constituted by the state government in August. The granted permission is valid for an initial period of five years and can be extended based on the facility's performance and success rates.
Medical professionals at the hospital also took the opportunity to clarify a key health fact: the human body has two kidneys, and a person can typically lead a normal, healthy life with just one, provided they receive appropriate medical follow-up care.
The commencement of kidney transplant services at SRN Hospital is poised to be a game-changer for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease across Prayagraj and neighbouring districts. It will not only enhance access to advanced healthcare but also reduce dependency on costly private institutions, making a profound difference in countless lives.
