Good News for Kidney Patients: AIIMS Bathinda launches Kidney Transplant initiative to tackle rising demand
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ May 15,2024
AIIMS Bathinda, under the visionary leadership of Prof (Dr) DK Singh, Executive Director, has achieved a significant milestone by starting the Kidney Transplant programme, aimed at addressing the escalating demand for kidney transplant considering the end stage kidney disease patient in the region. This initiative underscore AIIMS Bathinda’s commitment to become a beacon of advanced healthcare services, setting a benchmark for enhanced healthcare accessibility and excellence.
During the press conference, Prof (Dr) DK Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bathinda, highlighted the significance of this much needed initiative. He stated that India stands as a global leader in solid organ transplants, performing approximately 17,000–18,000 procedures annually, second only to the US and China. Despite this commendable volume, India’s transplantation rates per million population (0.65) lag behind those of several high-income countries, necessitating transformative measures. Dr. Singh emphasized that the inception of kidney transplant services at AIIMS Bathinda would prove to be a boon for patients and their families, providing world-class healthcare expertise at a comparatively low cost.
Dean Academics, Prof. Akhilesh Pathak emphasized the need of awareness regarding kidney donation in the society to fulfil the growing demand of organs as a result of an increasing number of kidney patients.
Dr. Kawaljit Singh Kaura, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Urology at AIIMS Bathinda, who burnt the midnight oil for the successful initiation of the kidney transplant programme at AIIMS Bathinda, briefed about the significance of this initiative. He expressed deep gratitude for the mentorship and support of Prof (Dr) DK Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Bathinda, Prof Rajiv Kumar, Medical Superintendent and administration for their continuous support and guidance in successfully starting Kidney transplantation at AIIMS Bathinda.He further stated that “The Kidney Transplant Initiative is a pivotal step towards addressing the growing burden of renal diseases in our community. By offering comprehensive transplant services, we aim to enhance outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients in need.” He further added that this programmeis a personal milestone and dream came true for him, as this will give him a platform to utilize his expertise for serving the under privileged section of society.
Dr. Saurabh Nayak, Associate Professor and Head of the Nephrology Department at AIIMS Bathinda, stated that his department has successfully performed over 5000 dialysis procedures in the past 18 months, including peritoneal dialysis. This expertise, combined with the Urology Department’s proficiency in major urological surgeries, including laparoscopic procedures, positions AIIMS Bathinda as a premier destination for kidney transplants and comprehensive pre-and post-transplant care.
Furthermore, the average cost of kidney transplant surgery at AIIMS Bathinda’s public sector facility is less than Rs 1 lakh, ensuring accessibility for a broader population, especially those covered under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. This initiative reflects AIIMS Bathinda’s commitment to providing advanced healthcare services and signifies a proactive step towards meeting the rising demand for kidney transplants in the region.
Good News for Kidney Patients: AIIMS Bathinda launches Kidney Transplant initiative to tackle rising demand. Others present in the press conference were Prof Anju Grewal,Head Dept of Anesthesia, IT Cell Team and other senior administrative officials.