Calls from Pak for kidney surgery

CHANDIGARH: Having opened its heart to Pakistani children, PGI''s renal transplant department has recently got calls from Pakistan with anxious callers enquiring about the requirements for undergoing kidney transplant surgeries here. They have, however, been asked to come through proper channel.
Confirming this, the head of PGI''s renal transplant department Prof M Minz said: "Though we haven''t operated much on patients from abroad, we have however got enquiries from Pakistan regarding kidney transplant surgeries.We have asked them to come through proper channel and then talk to us." Few patients from Nepal have, however, undergone kidney transplants in the PGI.
Commenting on the heavy rush of patients at the renal transplant department he said, "Ever since we started carrying out kidney transplants in 1986, more than 1,000 transplants have been done. The demand is high and as per figures, about 1,00,000 persons requiring kidney transplants are adding on to the existing pool of patients every year. The reason why so many patients flock to us is because PGI performs transplants at probably the cheapest rates in the country. The awareness about kidney transplants is increasing which is translating to increased patient inflow."
The cost of kidney transplants works out to around Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh, including the cost incurred in surgery, pre and postoperative care and the cost of medicines for one year.
The other reasons Prof Minz cites for more number of people knocking at the doors of PGI are increased life expectancy and a bigger catchment area. No wonder patients from far-off places, including Assam, Bihar and Jharkhand, are also routinely spotted in PGI.
When asked as to why cadaver transplant has failed to take off, "Even after 10 years cadaver programme in the country is still in its infancy. For this there is a pressing need for transplant coordinators who can motivate relatives of brain dead patients for donating the organs.
A suggestion regarding this had been forwarded to PGI administration about three-four years back along with a host of other suggestions which could not materialise for resource crunch."
He added: "Certain changes need to be brought about in the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. There is a particular clause which says that a donor can donate his kidney out of love, affection or special concern. This remains a grey area which has been exploited.
Also, the Act talks of near relatives which includes siblings, parents, children or spouse who can donate a kidney. The scope of near relatives needs to be widened."
Prof Minz said that he along with other transplant surgeons are planning to meet Union health minister Sushma Swaraj and apprise her of the changes that are required in today''s context.