Lucknow: King George's Medical University (KGMU) is set to launch its heart transplant service, and on Friday, the institution announced that the first five patients will receive the surgery free of cost. The decision was made during an executive council meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand.
Preparations for Heart Transplant Service
Officials confirmed that the cardiothoracic and vascular surgery department possesses the necessary license, equipment, and trained medical staff to perform heart transplants from brain-dead donors to eligible recipients. KGMU is currently awaiting its first case.
According to KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh, a heart transplant in private hospitals typically costs around Rs 1 crore, whereas in a government setup, it ranges from Rs 12 to 15 lakh. “The fee at KGMU is yet to be finalized, but the first five transplants will be completely free,” he stated.
Upgrading Animal House for Research
The executive council also approved the upgrade of KGMU's animal house to international standards to enhance research capabilities. Located in the pharmacology department, the facility supports drug research and houses laboratory animals, including rats.
This initiative is expected to boost medical research and improve the quality of healthcare services provided by the university.
