23 persons await heart transplant

With several myths and sentiments associated with organ donation, nearly 23 persons await heart transplant according to Zonal Coordination Committee of Karnataka for Transplantation(ZCCK).

So far only four transplants have been done in State.  Observing that heart transplant was relatively simple procedure compared to most others, Narayana Health Chairman Dr Devi Shetty noted that number of families coming forward was, however, very few.

Stating that younger the donor, the better, he said, heart transplants being exclusively cadaveric, approval of family members becomes necessary. Manipal Hospital Department of Cardiology Head Dr Devendra N S said while in places such as North America, over 2,000 transplants are performed, India, in comparison, was way behind in numbers.

Dr Devendra explained that while other forms of treating the problem could cost tens of lakhs, transplant works to about Rs 8 lakh. Pointing out that organ has to be transplanted to recipients within span of three hours, he said, it is time people looked at donating organ of brain-dead person, giving life to another.

According to ZCCK Chief Transplant Coordinator Manjula K U, five hospitals — Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, JSS Hospital,  KLE Society's Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Manipal Hospital and Narayana Hrudayalaya have the licence for performing heart transplants.