Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Nov 19: India has become a global leader in organ transplantation with Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals performed more that 3200 liver transplants in last 20 years.
On the 20th anniversary of the era-changing operation that changed the face of medical sciences in India, Indraprastha Apollo hospitals showcased the evolution that liver transplants have gone through over the last two decades.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said “Liver disease is a major cause for concern in the country with as many as 2 lakh people dying from it every year. While around 1800 liver transplants are done annually, as many as 20,000 people need a liver transplant at any given point. The fact is around 10 lakh people are diagnosed with liver disease every year, making it the 10th most common cause of death in India as per the World Health Organisation.
“While India has come a long way since the first operation, there is still a huge gap to be filled. We have endeavoured to create world class transplant centres with leading clinicians running the program. Going forward we will expand our services to hitherto unreached geographies and populations,” he added.
Ace Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir said, “Every three minutes a person gets added to the list who need a transplant. Today over 2 lakh Indians are on the list while less than 10 percent get a transplant. We have to work as a nation to increase our organ donation rate. I have pledged my organs in 2011 and encourage the youth to raise awareness on organ donation and become donors themselves. This needs to become a national movement.”
Ashok Bajpai, Managing Director, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “As we mark this historic day, we would like to thank our patients and families who have entrusted us with their faith. Our transplant program is today a beacon of hope for thousands thanks to the expertise and commitment of our specialists and staff. We intend to dedicate the coming years to becoming the best transplant centre in the world.”
Marking the occasion, Apollo Hospitals’ Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Anupam Sibal said, “Today marks a special day for Indian medical sciences. It was over 20 years ago that India finally entered the hallowed exclusive club of countries that carried out liver transplants.”
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