Dr Harsh Vardhan dedicates CoE in organ transplantation at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi

It is the only facility in South East Asia to carry out hand transplants

Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan is to formally dedicate the Centre of Excellence in Organ Transplantation at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Kochi. Amrita Institute has emerged as one of the largest centres in India, carrying out organ transplantations. Oomen Chandy, Kerala Chief Minister, and VS Shivakumar, Kerala Health Minister are also to be present on the occasion. Malayalam cine actor Mohanlal, who will be the brand ambassador for organ donation, is also to be present.

Reportedly, over the last 15 years, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre has carried out about 900 cases of transplantations, which includes heart, small intestine, pancreas, bone marrow besides liver and kidney. It is the only facility in South East Asia to carry out hand transplants – the first on a 30-year-old man from Kerala and the second on an ex-army captain from Afghanistan.

Transplantation of organs include tissue like bone marrow, solid organs like liver, heart, kidney, lung, small intestine, pancreas and composite tissue like hands and face. the organs can be donated by live donors for certain organs or procured from brain dead deceased donors. such services are backed by a team of specialist doctors, paramedics and support services.

On the occasion, the family of the donors of the first two twin hand transplants in the country will also be felicitated for their exemplary action, which has given a boost to organ donation drive in the country.

The first hand transplant in the country was carried out on January 12, 2015 on a 30-year old youth named Manu, who lost both his hands in a train accident three years back. Following the success of this procedure, the second bilateral hand transplant was carried out on April 10, 2015 on Abdul Rahim, an Afghanistan soldier who lost his both hands in a mine blast. Both these recipients have started using their hands for day to day activities. These two transplants were a team effort, involving about 25 surgeons, 10 anaesthetists, and physicians. The team, which worked behind the path breaking events in the field of composite tissue allotransplants in the country, will also be honoured on the occasion.

Source: PTI