Historic Liver Transplant at Gauhati Medical College Marks a Milestone in Northeast Healthcare

First Liver Transplant in Northeast India

Guwahati, Oct 24: Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has achieved a significant milestone by conducting the first liver transplant at a government facility in the Northeast. Both the donor and recipient are currently receiving care in the intensive care unit (ICU).

The intricate surgery, which spanned approximately 16 hours, was completed on Friday night for 48-year-old Bhagat Singh from Beharbari. The operation was led by Dr. Senthil Kumar, a specialist from Andhra Pradesh, alongside a team of local medical professionals.

Health Minister Ashok Singhal confirmed on Saturday that both the donor and recipient are stable, and the operation was successful. He hailed this achievement as a significant leap forward for healthcare in Assam, noting that it is a rare capability among state-run hospitals in India.

“To my knowledge, fewer than ten government medical institutions in India are equipped to perform liver transplants,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of establishing such specialized services within the public health framework.

However, Singhal advised caution, indicating that while the procedure has commenced, it will not be a frequent occurrence immediately. “We have initiated this process, but it will take time to develop,” he remarked.

Highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing access to advanced medical treatments, he assured that efforts would continue to provide specialized care at reasonable costs. “We are striving to implement progressive initiatives in Assam’s healthcare sector,” he added, calling the successful transplant a landmark event.

Singhal also referenced the state's previous efforts in kidney transplantation, noting that around 33 to 36 procedures were performed in the past year, costing between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh each.

Regarding organ donation, he mentioned that current regulations require donors to be close relatives of the recipients, such as spouses, siblings, or children. He acknowledged that broadening the donor eligibility criteria would necessitate measures to ensure transparency and prevent exploitation.

In addition, the Health Minister announced that the Biswanath Medical College is projected to open its doors to the public in April 2027. He made this statement following an inspection of the newly built facility, expressing satisfaction with the construction progress.

“The construction is nearing completion, and we aim to launch it for public service by next April,” Singhal informed the media. This new medical college is expected to enhance healthcare accessibility for residents of Biswanath district and surrounding areas.