Heart transplantation is an immensely complex and challenging medical procedure that requires the collaborative efforts of surgeons, anaesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, and technicians emphasized Dr. Prabhakar Kore, Chairman of the KLE Society. He was to speaking members of media at KLES Hospital, Belagavi to mark 12th successful heart transplantation at KLES Hospital. He expressed his appreciation for the excellent outcomes achieved by the dedicated team led by Dr. Richard Saldanha, Chief Cardiac Surgeon, for their remarkable achievement of successfully performing 12 heart transplants at KLES Hospital. Dr. Kore underlined that the accomplishment of saving these 12 heart patients would not have been possible without the selfless contributions of donor families who came forward to donate the organs of their loved ones. He paid heartfelt tributes to these donor families for their supreme sacrifice in donating organs to unknown individuals in dire need of organs.
Replaying a question, Dr. Kore stressed that organ donation is gaining momentum in this region of Karnataka but still requires increased awareness within the community. In case of an unfortunate brain death, families of the deceased individuals to reconsider traditional burial or cremation practices, suggesting that donating organs could be the best way of saving lives. Dr. Kore also highlighted that heart transplants are provided free of cost to needy patients from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families under the Arogya Karnataka-Ayushman Bharat Scheme. The cost of a heart transplant, which typically ranges from Rs. 25-30 lakh in metropolitan areas, is offered at a significantly reduced cost of only Rs. 10 lakh at KLES Hospital. Dr. Kore extended his best wishes for the speedy recovery and future endeavours of the two young patients who underwent heart transplants.
Dr. Richard Saldanha provided some background information on the 11th and 12th heart transplant patients: The 11th patient, an 18-year-old boy from Jamakhandi, had been experiencing difficulties such as weakness, swelling, chest pain, and vomiting. After being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy with a heart ejection fraction of around 14%, he underwent a successful heart transplant and is being discharged today.
The 12th patient, a 25-year-old girl and a Science graduate, had suffered from symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, and breathlessness while climbing. She was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy and underwent a heart transplant. Her mother reported remarkable improvement in her health, and the patient aspires to continue her studies and complete her M.Sc. Dr. Richard Saldanha announced that the hospital is prepared to perform “Lung Transplants” soon.
In his opening remarks, Col. Dr. M. Dayananda, Medical Director of the Hospital, proudly announced that KLES Hospital has become the only “Multi-Organ Transplant Centre” in North Karnataka, Southern Maharashtra, and Goa. The hospital has successfully conducted heart, liver, and kidney transplants, including 12 heart transplants, 9 liver transplants, 76 kidney transplants, and 80 corneal transplants. The KLE-Rotary Skin Bank has also provided skins to patients in distant hospitals such as Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
Dr. R.B. Nerli, Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Sharangouda Patil, Head of Cardiac Anaesthesiology, and the parents of the transplant patients expressed their happiness and gratitude for the excellent services provided by the hospital staff. Dr. Pramod Sulikeri welcomed members of the media for the press meet.
