South India’s first govt organ transplant and retrieval centre to be established in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Organ donation is considered the highest form of giving. The Medical Education Department has taken steps to enhance the organ donation programme, bringing new hope to those in need.

To modernise existing facilities and set up an organ retrieval centre, the department has sanctioned Rs 1 crore with an official order already issued. This initiative coincides with the 125th anniversary of Victoria Hospital, making it a significant milestone, a press release said.

The organ retrieval centre is expected to become operational within the next four to six months, according to Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, minister for medical education, skill development, livelihood and in-charge minister for Raichur district. “The center will play a crucial role in streamlining organ procurement for transplants”, the minister stated in a press release on Monday.

Functioning as a dedicated unit for collecting organs from deceased donors, the center will provide comprehensive services, including ICU facilities, an operation theatre, a laboratory, and advanced diagnostic capabilities.

Victoria Hospital, already home to a trauma and emergency care centre, the Institute of Gastroenterology and Urology Transplantation, the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology at Minto Hospital and a Skin Bank, is one of South India’s largest medical institutions. The addition of this new organ retrieval centre will further strengthen its capabilities.

For effective organ donation, identifying potential donors, ensuring safe procedures, conducting family counseling, providing advanced ICU care and adhering to legal frameworks are critical. Adequate funding has been allocated for the center’s holistic development. “This initiative is highly meaningful and will benefit economically disadvantaged patients”, noted Dr Patil.

Comprehensive facility for organ retrieval

“The establishment of an integrated organ retrieval centre at Victoria Hospital will help scale up the organ donation program, benefiting underprivileged patients”, stated Dr. Deepak, medical superintendent of Victoria Hospital.

“The center will have dedicated staff, ICUs and beds. Once a family consents to organ donation, the patient will be transferred from ICUs to the designated facility”, he added. Additionally, to facilitate smooth organ transport, a helipad is being constructed at Victoria Hospital.

Key Features of Victoria Hospital

Provides services to the economically disadvantaged.

70 ICU beds available.

1,000 general hospital beds.

40 beds dedicated to mass casualty treatment.