GMCH-32 soon to have system of organ retrieval from brain-dead patients for transplantation
Amongst the government hospitals, the PGIMER has performed the highest number of organ transplants from brain-dead patients in the country
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According to the GMCH officials, although the hospital has an EEG lab, brain-dead patients on ventilators cannot be brought there (Express File)The GMCH-32 will soon begin the retrieval of organs from brain-dead patients and send them directly to the PGIMER, Chandigarh for transplantation.
According to professor A K Attri, director-principal, GMCH-32, the hospital has now been recognised as an organ retrieval centre. At present, the post of a urologist is vacant, which has delayed the start of this work. The department will soon begin the recruitment process for two urologists, after which the retrieved organs will be sent to the PGIMER or other hospitals where matching recipients are available for transplantation.
So far, brain-dead patients have been referred to PGIMER on ventilator support because GMCH-32 lacked the necessary protocol, expert team, and equipment to officially declare a patient brain dead. An approval from the Union Ministry of Health was also required to start this process. With the PGIMER’s support, the GMCH-32 will soon launch this programme. With this development, the organs from brain-dead patients can be donated in time, with the family’s consent.
PGI leading govt institute for organ transplants in India
Amongst the government hospitals, the PGIMER has performed the highest number of organ transplants from brain-dead patients in the country. The Ministry of Health has in fact honoured the institute for this achievement. In 2017 alone, the PGIMER performed a record 44 organ transplants. Recently, it once again became the top hospital in the country for transplants.
According to the GMCH officials, although the hospital has an EEG lab, brain-dead patients on ventilators cannot be brought there. Therefore, a portable electroencephalogram machine, costing Rs 10 lakh, will be purchased. Additionally, a portable transcranial doppler machine worth Rs 25 lakh will be procured.
Under the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, the PGIMER has been designated as a Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation. It coordinates with neighbouring states to promote organ donation awareness. The PGIMER runs one of the largest renal transplant programmes in the country and performed its first kidney transplant on June 21, 1973. It carries out both live and deceased donor transplants.
The team responsible for declaring a patient brain dead will include one expert each from neurology, neurosurgery, and anaesthesia departments. The team will comprise a urologist, general surgeon, cardiologist, eye surgeon, and an anesthesiologist, with the anaesthesia department acting as the overall incharge.
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