GMCH sets record for most organ transplants from deceased donors in state in 2024

Nagpur: The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) recorded the highest number of organ transplants from deceased donors conducted anywhere in the state in 2024, dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye told TOI.

So far, a total of 20 brain stem death (BSD) or cadaver donations took place at GMCH. Out of these, 13 organs were retrieved at GMCH and allotted to its patients, following all the prescribed norms, in 2024.

Organ donation is at an all-time high across Nagpur district. A total of 39 organ donations took place at all hospitals in the district in 2024. This was up from 35 donations in 2023. Most of the organs were allotted within the city, while some were sent to other cities.

GMCH became a kidney transplant centre in 2016. After starting the centre, annually an average of one transplant took place till 2020, after which it came to a halt due to the Covid pandemic. Transplants restarted in 2023, and GMCH recorded a couple of more transplants through deceased donation from its own patients. Over 60 live transplants involving related patients like mother-son, husband-wife donor combos were also done at GMCH.

"It is a matter of pride that GMCH has conducted the highest number of transplants in the state. Across Nagpur, 35 transplants were done. Out of these, 17 were done in a year were by GMCH. This is a record in a public or private hospital for the state," he said.

A couple of big hospitals conduct organ transplants, mainly liver and kidney, in Nagpur. But their numbers from deceased donation are less than GMCH.

The dean said GMCH is leading in cadaver donations because it is getting donors from its Trauma Centre too. "Counsellors are doing great work. The awareness activities have started giving good outcomes," he said.

Heart, Liver Transplant Operation Theatres Ready: GMCH Dean

Nagpur: Even as permission for starting heart and liver transplants at Super Specialty Hospital (SSH), an auxiliary unit of GMCH, is in process, the institute has readied the operation theatres for these high-end life-saving surgeries. "Once we get the permission from concerned authorities, we will appoint doctors. Transplant surgeons are ready to join the panel," said dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye. GMCH already has permission for a heart transplant centre. Instruments and equipment required for heart transplants have been procured, he said. These transplants are likely to take another two months to start. Earlier, these centres were expected to start by December.

Transplants done to date at GMCH?

- Brain Stem Death (cadaver) donation total: 20

- Live donation: 66

- Transplants started in GMCH: 2016

- Organs transplanted at GMCH: Cornea, kidney

- Liver and heart transplants in process

Number of transplants in 2024: 13 (cadaver)

Nagpur transplant data

2024 | 39

2023 | 35

2022 | 10

2021 | 18

2020 | 3

2019 | 18

2018 | 18

2017 | 14

2016 | 6

2015 | 4

2014 | 3

2013 | 1