Guwahati, 22nd June: In a landmark achievement for medical care in Assam, the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has successfully conducted its first cadaver kidney transplant. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this groundbreaking development during a press conference held at the hospital on June 22.
“For the first time, Guwahati Medical College and Hospital has performed a cadaver kidney transplant,” stated Chief Minister Sarma, highlighting the significance of the procedure.
The transplant involved kidneys donated by Parag Gogoi, a resident of Guwahati who was declared brain-dead. Gogoi’s family generously donated his kidneys to GMCH, which were then successfully transplanted into two patients. “Today, both recipients visited GMCH to have their stitches removed, and we had the opportunity to meet them. Both are recovering well,” Sarma reported, commending the surgical team led by Dr. Shashanka Baruah, Dr. Pushkar Bagchi, and Dr. Manjuri Sarma for their expertise.
Sarma underscored the importance of organ donation, urging the people of Assam to consider contributing to this life-saving initiative. “With this success, I appeal to the people of Assam to consider donating kidneys from brain-dead patients. This will significantly expand our capability to perform cadaver kidney transplants,” he emphasized.
A cadaver kidney transplant involves transplanting a kidney from a deceased donor to a recipient suffering from end-stage renal disease, thereby enhancing the availability of organs for critically ill patients.
Looking forward, Sarma outlined future plans for GMCH, including the introduction of liver transplantation once the Medical Monitoring Centre (MMC) is operational. “GMCH is moving towards becoming a super specialty hospital in the region,” Sarma affirmed.
The Chief Minister also highlighted GMCH’s strides in reproductive health, noting the success of their in vitro fertilization (IVF) center. “GMCH has facilitated successful embryo transplants, with eight women currently pregnant and 38 women having undergone the procedure. The cost of IVF treatment at GMCH is notably lower than at private facilities,” Sarma mentioned, emphasizing accessibility to advanced medical care.
Concluding his address, Sarma urged media and community support in promoting organ donation from brain-dead individuals. “We must honor the families of brain-dead patients and encourage this noble act through various platforms,” he urged, highlighting the humanitarian impact of organ donation.
The successful cadaver kidney transplant at GMCH marks a significant advancement in healthcare services in Assam, promising enhanced medical capabilities and life-saving treatments for the region’s residents.
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