Hubballi: KIMS Approved for Kidney Transplants

The state government of Karnataka has given the green light to KIMS (Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences) to perform kidney transplants, following the only Institute of Nephro Urology in Bangalore. Patients with chronic kidney disease will greatly benefit from this decision as they no longer have to travel to Bengaluru for a kidney transplant. They will now have access to these facilities at KIMS in Hubballi.

Private hospitals usually charge a hefty amount of nearly 6 lakh for kidney transplants.

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Dr. Venkatesh Moger, the head of nephrology at KIMS, told TOI, "We had been waiting the last few years to get the approval to perform kidney transplants. As KIMS is well equipped with twin OTs, experts, and other facilities, the government, after evaluating our infrastructure, has given its nod."

"If any close relative of a patient is ready to donate one of his/her kidneys, we will perform the kidney transplant in the hospital now. If there are second-degree relatives, then, we will refer such cases to the state authorization committee for approval. If the donor is a direct relative, we will perform the kidney transplant here after following legal procedures to verify the documents of the donors and other details. Around 900-950 patients undergo dialysis every month at KIMS and many are waiting for donors," Dr. Moger said.

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Patients in need of a kidney transplant are reportedly registering their requirements on the Jeeva Sarthakathe website. The Jeevasarthakathe has been constituted by the Government of Karnataka for a sustained deceased donor (Cadaver) transplantation program in the state of Karnataka. Jeevasarthakathe is the body appointed to oversee the implementation of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act of 1994. The organization aims to coordinate the deceased donor transplantation activities and also educate the public on organ donation. Jeevasarthakathe works through a team effort of participating hospitals for the achievement of a sustained cadaveric transplant program.