GUNTUR: Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH) is set to become the first government hospital in Andhra Pradesh to offer free liver transplantation surgeries to economically disadvantaged patients.
The surgeries are expected to begin by October, while free knee replacement procedures will resume by mid-August after a prolonged interval. This initiative marks a significant milestone for public healthcare in the state.
With the recent issuance of the Jeevandan AP Deceased Donor Certificate, GGH is now authorized to perform organ transplants using organs from deceased donors.
Patients registered for liver transplants will be treated based on a waiting list to ensure transparency and fairness.
Speaking to TNIE, GGH Superintendent Dr. SSV Ramana confirmed that the groundwork is nearly complete. “Both knee and liver transplant surgeries will commence shortly, restoring access to life-saving treatment for patients unable to afford private care,” he said.
To support this initiative, the hospital has set up two dedicated operation theaters at a cost of Rs.10 lakh and appointed three transplant coordinators.
A team of specialists in general medicine, hepatology, anesthesia, and surgery has undergone intensive training under the guidance of Dr. Rajnikanth, a senior liver transplant expert from Chennai.
GGH performs 22 kidney transplants
Awareness campaigns have also been launched to promote organ donation, although only deceased donor transplants are currently permitted. GGH has a track record of performing complex surgeries, including a successful heart transplant in 2016, the first of its kind in a state-run facility. Since then, the hospital has performed 22 kidney transplants and several knee replacements.
However, all transplant services were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not resumed until now. The liver transplant program, which was long in the pipeline, was delayed due to administrative and logistical hurdles. With approvals and infrastructure now in place, officials say the hospital is finally ready to offer this critical service to the underprivileged.