Tender obstacles keep vital equipment for heart transplants out of KEM Hospital’s reach

Two machines are indispensable for heart transplants, the trans-medic organ care system – which preserves donor hearts for transplantation, and the heart-lung machine – which performs the heart’s function while easing the strain on the patient’s lungs. The heart-lung machine alone costs between Rs1 crore and Rs1.5 crore including maintenance.

A BMC official highlighted the struggle, stating, “Three firms were about to bid but backed out at the last moment. The delay in paperwork and untimely fund disbursement during the tendering process has contributed to the hesitation among potential bidders.”

A senior health department official shared insights into the challenges, stating, “Apart from the heart transplantation license, the hospital requires various facilities, including infection-free operation theatres, heart and lung machines, transplant experts, etc., at a suitable location. Modern devices, such as the heart-lung machine with integrated ECMO, are crucial for the procedure.”

The cost of transplant surgery at a private hospital is around Rs25-30 lakh. Said Dr Sudhakar Shinde, BMC’s Additional Municipal Commissioner while emphasising the significance of heart transplantation at KEM for impoverished patients. “Ensuring heart transplantation at KEM Hospital in 2024 is a priority for the BMC’s health department, and we are actively working towards achieving this goal.”

According to the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee (ZTCC), 59 individuals in Mumbai are currently on the waiting list for heart transplantation.

Reflecting on historical attempts, the hospital’s spokesperson shared, “KEM Hospital made the country’s first attempt at heart transplantation on February 17, 1968, under the leadership of Dr PK Sen. Unfortunately, the patient survived only for three hours. In 2018, the hospital reapplied for heart transplantation, which did not materialize. Now, after 55 years, KEM is once again striving to carry out a heart transplant.”