KEM Hospital forms special team to stabilize critically-ill patients, facilitate organ donation

Last year, Dr. Sangeeta Rawat, dean of KEM Hospital, advertised for three intensivist positions. However, the hiring process faced challenges when one recruited doctor left after just one month. It took nearly a year to appoint two intensivists, with an additional doctor from the anesthesia department joining the team later.

“Recruiting doctors has been a challenge… I had to wait quite some time for this hiring. But now, we finally have the team in place,” remarked Dr. Rawat.

These intensivists will be crucial in maintaining potential organ donors in an optimal state, thereby preserving organ function until they can be harvested. Their expertise will also aid in identifying suitable candidates for organ donation.

For brain-dead patients considered for organ donation, a series of tests are conducted to assess the viability and function of transplantable organs. These include neurological examinations to confirm brain death based on established criteria, and checking for the absence of brainstem reflexes and responsiveness. Imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRI may be used to evaluate brain and organ conditions.

The intensivists will also monitor vital signs, fluid balance, and organ perfusion. They will work closely with transplant teams to coordinate organ retrieval logistics, ensuring optimal preservation for successful transplantation.

Aside from the challenge of finding suitable donors, the financial burden of organ transplants is a significant hurdle. Private hospitals typically charge between Rs 20-35 lakhs for an organ transplant, while civic-run institutions like KEM Hospital offer these procedures at a significantly lower cost, around Rs 8 lakhs.

“Our main aim is to save more lives by making healthcare more accessible to patients, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” added Dr. Rawat.