Patna : Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is preparing to expand its transplant services with the introduction of kidney and bone marrow transplants by December 31, according to the hospital administration.
The Bihar health department has given approval for the proposed services, clearing the way for PMCH to accelerate preparations. Hospital superintendent Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh said the institution is working towards starting kidney, bone marrow and other transplant services by the end of the year.
The expansion could provide patients in Bihar with access to specialised transplant care closer to home and potentially reduce the need to travel to other states for treatment.
Health Department Gives Green Light
Dr Singh said PMCH has received the required approval from the health department to move ahead with preparations for the transplant services.
The hospital has set December 31 as the target date for starting kidney and bone marrow transplants, along with other transplant-related services.
The development follows discussions between PMCH officials and the health department on establishing transplant facilities at the hospital.
Meeting Held With Health Department Secretary
PMCH nephrology department head Dr Gopal Prasad welcomed the decision and said a meeting on the proposed transplant services was held with the health department secretary.
The meeting focused on the plans and requirements for introducing transplant services at PMCH. Following the department’s approval, the hospital administration is now expected to speed up the preparations.
Transplants To Be Provided Free
According to the hospital administration, transplant services at PMCH will be provided free of cost once the facilities become operational.
The move could be particularly significant for economically weaker patients who may otherwise face substantial expenses for transplant procedures at private hospitals.
The availability of these services at PMCH could also reduce patients’ dependence on treatment centres outside Bihar.
Cornea Transplant Facility Already Available
PMCH already provides cornea transplant services, which have been restored at the hospital.
The planned addition of kidney and bone marrow transplants would broaden the hospital’s transplant-care capabilities and strengthen its role as a major government healthcare institution in the state.
The administration said preparations for the new services are being carried out, with the December 31 deadline set for their launch.
Potential Relief For Bihar Patients
Kidney and bone marrow transplant patients from Bihar often require access to highly specialised medical facilities. The introduction of these services at PMCH could make such treatment available within the state.
For patients and their families, access to transplant care in Patna could help reduce the travel, accommodation and other logistical challenges associated with seeking treatment elsewhere.
With the health department’s approval in place, PMCH is now working towards completing the necessary preparations and beginning the new transplant services by the end of December.
