Kochi, Oct 2: Ernakulam General Hospital is poised to become India’s first general hospital to perform a heart transplant, pending the availability of a suitable donor heart. The primary candidate is Nepalese national Durga Kami, who suffers from a heart condition that thickens the heart walls.
Waiting List: In addition to Durga Kami, three other patients—two from Ernakulam and one from Cherthala—are on the waiting list. All have completed their medical evaluations, but the central government’s policy against prioritizing foreign nationals for organ transplants presents a challenge for Durga.
Prepared for a Year: The hospital has been ready for heart transplants for over a year. Known for pioneering kidney transplants and open-heart surgeries, Ernakulam General Hospital, under Dr. Anoop Krishnan, has already performed five successful kidney transplants. Preparations for heart transplants were further supported by the government’s Mrithasanjeevani program.
Surgical Facilities: The hospital boasts two modern operation theatres in the Super Speciality Block, an ICU with a six-member team, a post-operative ward with 20+ beds, a heart-lung machine worth Rs 1.5 crore, and advanced monitoring equipment including HBP monitors and ECMO machines valued at around Rs 50 lakh.
Medical Team: The transplant team consists of 45 members, including surgeons Dr. George Valooran, Dr. Geopol, Dr. Rahul, Dr. Roshan, two anesthetists, 33 nurses, and paramedical staff, all fully trained for heart transplant procedures.
Focus on Priority Patient: “We are trying to give first priority to the Nepalese patient. We hope legal hurdles will be resolved soon,” said Dr. R. Shaheersha, Superintendent of Ernakulam General Hospital.
Historic Opportunity: If successful, the procedure will mark a landmark achievement for general hospitals in India, expanding access to advanced cardiac care beyond specialized corporate hospitals.
