Apollo Hospitals Celebrates 25 Years of India’s First Liver Transplant Program

New Delhi, November 15,  2023 :  Apollo, the world’s largest integrated healthcare provider, has been at the forefront of patient care in India and has led the organ transplant revolution in healthcare. Today the Apollo Hospitals Group celebrated the completion of 25 years of paediatric liver transplant program in India.

The Apollo Transplant program is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive transplant programs performing more than 1600 solid organ transplants a year. The program offers a host of state-of-the-art services which include Management of Liver Disease, Management of Kidney Disease, Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Heart and Lung Transplantation, Intestinal, Pancreas and GI Transplant Surgeries and Pediatric Transplant Services. With 90% success rates, The Apollo Liver Transplant program is a beacon of quality and hope for patients from across the world.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said “Liver disease remains a significant concern within the country, resulting in the annual loss of approximately 200,000 lives. Despite approximately 1,800 liver transplants conducted each year, the demand for this procedure reaches as high as 20,000 individuals at any given time. While India has made substantial progress since the inception of these operations, a considerable gap remains unaddressed. At Apollo, our dedication lies in ensuring that no individual succumbs due to a lack of access to transplantation. Our focus involves establishing top-tier transplant centres, led by esteemed clinicians. We are committed to extending our expertise to individuals worldwide seeking liver transplant services.”

Marking the occasion, Apollo Hospitals’ Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Anupam Sibal said, “Today is a significant milestone for Indian medical advancements. The liver transplant program at Apollo Institutes commenced 25 years ago, marking a pivotal moment in India’s medical landscape. This ground breaking initiative, coupled with the resilience shown by patients like Sanjay, has led the Apollo Institutes of Transplant to successfully carry out over 4300 liver transplants, including 515 procedures in children. I distinctly remember the day I first saw Sanjay, the hours spent in the ICU and today 25 years on, Dr Sanjay will soon be married. As his doctor, I cannot express the happiness and satisfaction I am feeling in words. Today we are able to perform the most challenging transplants including ABO incompatible and combined liver-kidney transplants. We are also operating on babies as small as 4 kgs.”

Highlighting the expertise developed at Apollo, Dr. Neerav Goyal, Sr. Consultant, Liver Transplants said, “Apollo’s liver transplant program has an exceptional success rate of 90%, a testament to our unyielding dedication to unparalleled patient care and clinical outcomes. This achievement not only represents our commitment to excellence but also serves as a beacon of hope for those confronting liver failure. We intend to further develop our program to help an even larger section of the population in the future. The success of our program reflects the tireless efforts, skill, and advancements in the field of liver transplants, solidifying our position as a leading institution offering renewed chances for a healthier life”.  

Mr. Shivakumar Pattabhiraman, Managing Director of the Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, said, India’s prominence in organ transplantation is on the rise. With a rich legacy spanning 25 years, we at Apollo celebrate a landmark achievement in liver transplantation, solidifying its position as a pioneering force in India’s medical domain. The institution stands as a beacon of exceptional care and ground breaking advancements, setting global standards in liver transplants. Our unwavering commitment to advancing liver transplantation and relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of medical science underscores a pledge to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.”

Noted Film Actress Ms Dimple Kapadia, who graced the function said, “In Dil Chahta Hai, my character Tara Jaiswal died because of a silent killer. Liver Cirrhosis.

As we go about our daily lives, we often neglect the importance of our liver, this unsung hero of our bodies. Our liver is a remarkable organ, tirelessly working to cleanse your blood, store energy, and produce essential proteins. It is the silent guardian that protects us from harmful toxins and keeps us healthy. But just like any other organ, it can be damaged, and when it is, the consequences can be devastating.

Liver cirrhosis leads to liver failure which took Tara’s life. At that point in time, Liver Transplantation wasn’t well established in India. Today, Liver transplantation is a life saving therapy saving lives every day. Liver Transplantation has given a new lease of life to Sanjay, the first child in India to receive a liver transplant, Prisha the 500th child transplanted at Apollo and hundreds of children and adults not just from India but from 50 countries across the world.

I would like to congratulate the Apollo Team and wish them the very best in their commitment to save lives”.

Additionally, Dr Sanjay Kandasamy said, “I am the first beneficiary of the Apollo Liver transplant program. My second chance at life and the excellent quality of life are a testament to the extraordinary expertise and precision of the medical marvels at Apollo. The success of the liver transplantation reaffirms Apollo’s commitment to pioneering advancements, unrivalled medical acumen, and unwavering dedication to patient well-being. Today, I stand as an example to the triumph of medical ingenuity.”

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)