Liver transplant service turned dysfunctional at Odisha’s premier govt hospital

The liver transplant service at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH), the state’s premier government-run healthcare unit, has become dysfunctional, according to the affidavit submitted by the government before the Orissa High Court.

Two hospitals — Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, and Aster CMI, Bengaluru — were selected through a tender process, and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with them in 2023, Aswathy S, Secretary, State’s Health & Family Welfare Department, stated in an affidavit.

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Aster CMI has been conducting the screening process at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics, while the MoU with AIG expired on 1 April 2025.

Within a year, two liver transplants have been performed—the first patient responded positively to the treatment, while the second patient unfortunately succumbed due to a post-surgical complication, according to the affidavit.

A letter has also been issued to the Vice President, AIG, to intimate a suitable date and time for a discussion for continuing with their services after expiry of the MoU, Secretary Health informed the High Court in the affidavit.

In the meantime, MGM Chennai, which has an existing MoU for conducting heart transplants free of cost at SCB, Cuttack, and is continuing its screening process, has shown interest in undertaking other transplants, including liver and bone marrow, also free of cost, and has already submitted a draft MoU for the same.

After government approval is accorded, MGM can facilitate all transplants, like Liver, Bone Marrow, heart, etc; give hands-on training; and help in capacity building and strengthening the comprehensive transplant system in a coordinated manner.

Meanwhile, the Nodal Officer (Organ Transplantation)-cum-Additional Director of Medical Education and Training has constituted a dedicated team of experienced doctors at SCBMCH, Cuttack.

This team has already initiated preparatory activities, including patient screening, in anticipation of the resumption of liver transplant services at SCBMCH, Cuttack.

The transplant programme will be conducted under the direct supervision of Prof (Dr) U K Satapathy, while the overall operations will be monitored by DMET, Odisha. The Dean & Principal, along with the Superintendent of SCBMCH, Cuttack, will extend full logistical support for the transplant activities.

Liver transplantation is a multi-phased procedure. Before transplantation, the recipient and proposed donor have to undergo a pre-transplant workup. After completion of all exercises and certification of fitness of both the recipient and donor, the application for the grant of permission for transplantation is sent to the Authorization Committee for consideration. After obtaining permission from the Committee, the case of the recipient and donor is taken up for transplantation surgery.