Nagpur: After scripting history by performing first successful kidney transplant in a state-run hospital a decade ago, the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, has achieved yet another milestone. The hospital’s affiliated Super Speciality Hospital has successfully carried out the first liver transplant in a govt hospital in the state.The complex transplant procedure was performed on a 46-year-old farmer suffering from end-stage liver disease on Friday by a multidisciplinary team led by GMCH dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye, along with liver transplant expert Dr Ravi Mohanka from Mumbai’s Reliance Hospital and a team of specialists.Dr Gajbhiye said GMCH had entered into an agreement with Reliance Hospital, Mumbai, for liver transplant services. Under the arrangement, the team from Mumbai visits Nagpur twice a month and provides services free of charge to patients.The transplant became possible after the family of a brain-dead donor consented to organ donation. Following compatibility tests, the donor liver was matched with the recipient. The Reliance Hospital team arrived in Nagpur on Thursday evening, and the surgery commenced at 9pm. The operation was completed after nearly seven hours.The procedure typically costs several lakhs in private hospitals, but in this case the entire expenditure was borne by the hospital administration. In February 2016, GMCH had performed the first kidney transplant in a govt hospital in Maharashtra. With the addition of liver transplantation services, the institution has further strengthened its position as a leading govt centre for organ transplantation.Calling it a major achievement for the state’s public healthcare system, Dr Gajbhiye said the development would make advanced organ transplant procedures accessible to economically weaker patients who would otherwise be unable to afford such treatment.The surgical team included Dr Gaurav Gupta, Dr Vijay Dakare, Dr John Wesley, Dr Mahinder Singh, anaesthetist Dr Saurabh Kamat and paramedical staff members Harshad, Malhar, Haripriya and Pravin Pujari. They were assisted by GMCH surgeons Dr Ritesh Bodade, Dr Chetan Sonawane, Dr Aniket, Dr Atmadeep, Dr Ninand, anaesthetists Dr Wali, Dr Ketaki Ramteke, Dr Aditya and Dr Ishika, along with gastroenterologists Dr Amol Samarth and Dr Amol Sathawane. Administrative support was provided by Super Speciality Hospital administrator Dr Shailesh Gahukar, OSD Dr Sushma Thakre, medical superintendent Dr Avinash Gavande and Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal.
