<p>Even as the state government has enthusiastically started the organ transplantation scheme for the poor, uncertainty looms over their post-transplant care.</p>.<p>The scheme, which provides for the transplantation cost of BPL patients, also offers Rs one lakh towards post-transplant drugs or immunosuppressors. This amount barely suffices the recipient for a few months, explain experts. However, the immunosuppressors are prescribed to the patient life long. </p>.<p>Dr Sankaran Sundar, a city-based transplant specialist, said, "These expenses vary based on factors like the patient's weight and age. Patients spend Rs 30,000 a month on an average for the first two years. The cost could be higher if the patient develops complications."</p>.<p>He said over the years, this could come down to Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 a month. "Unlike others, transplant survivors cannot afford to skip medicines even for a day. Immunosuppressors keep the body from fighting the transplanted organ as a foreign body," he said.</p>.<p>For BPL cardholders, Rs 3 lakh for a kidney transplant, including the cost for drugs, is provided under the state's scheme for an organ transplant. However, this does not suffice.</p>.<p>Dr Keshavamurthy, director, Institute of Nephrourology, Victoria Hospital, said the hospital has sought approval to provide Rs 10,000 a month per patient. However, the period up to which it will be provided by the government has not been specified.</p>.<p>Sources in the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust told DH that the scheme only covers medicines for one year. "We will send a proposal to the government, seeking an extension and additional funds for providing immunosuppressors as this has to be taken by patients all life," said the source.</p>.<p>Nagesh (name changed) was diagnosed with a chronic kidney condition and underwent a transplant.</p>.<p>Doctors informed his family that they had to spend Rs 30,000 a month for medications and regular blood tests post-transplant. With Nagesh being the only breadwinner, the family has been struggling to make ends meet.</p>.<p>Transplant survivors take immunosuppressors for life, besides having to undergo blood examination every month. This expenditure has been forcing patients to approach NGOs and seek help from donors.</p>.<p>With no private insurance to cover or government schemes to help, patients' families have been looking for donations to meet the high cost of post-transplant care.</p>.<p>COSTLY CARE</p>.<p>Govt aid for transplant (BPL patients only), including for post-transplant drugs (kidney transplant) - Rs 3 lakh</p>.<p>Patient spending (first 2 yrs) - Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 a month</p>.<p>Life-long costs - Rs 2,000-Rs 10,000 a month</p>.<p>Cost of blood tests - Rs 2,000-Rs 10,000 a month</p>
<p>Even as the state government has enthusiastically started the organ transplantation scheme for the poor, uncertainty looms over their post-transplant care.</p>.<p>The scheme, which provides for the transplantation cost of BPL patients, also offers Rs one lakh towards post-transplant drugs or immunosuppressors. This amount barely suffices the recipient for a few months, explain experts. However, the immunosuppressors are prescribed to the patient life long. </p>.<p>Dr Sankaran Sundar, a city-based transplant specialist, said, "These expenses vary based on factors like the patient's weight and age. Patients spend Rs 30,000 a month on an average for the first two years. The cost could be higher if the patient develops complications."</p>.<p>He said over the years, this could come down to Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 a month. "Unlike others, transplant survivors cannot afford to skip medicines even for a day. Immunosuppressors keep the body from fighting the transplanted organ as a foreign body," he said.</p>.<p>For BPL cardholders, Rs 3 lakh for a kidney transplant, including the cost for drugs, is provided under the state's scheme for an organ transplant. However, this does not suffice.</p>.<p>Dr Keshavamurthy, director, Institute of Nephrourology, Victoria Hospital, said the hospital has sought approval to provide Rs 10,000 a month per patient. However, the period up to which it will be provided by the government has not been specified.</p>.<p>Sources in the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust told DH that the scheme only covers medicines for one year. "We will send a proposal to the government, seeking an extension and additional funds for providing immunosuppressors as this has to be taken by patients all life," said the source.</p>.<p>Nagesh (name changed) was diagnosed with a chronic kidney condition and underwent a transplant.</p>.<p>Doctors informed his family that they had to spend Rs 30,000 a month for medications and regular blood tests post-transplant. With Nagesh being the only breadwinner, the family has been struggling to make ends meet.</p>.<p>Transplant survivors take immunosuppressors for life, besides having to undergo blood examination every month. This expenditure has been forcing patients to approach NGOs and seek help from donors.</p>.<p>With no private insurance to cover or government schemes to help, patients' families have been looking for donations to meet the high cost of post-transplant care.</p>.<p>COSTLY CARE</p>.<p>Govt aid for transplant (BPL patients only), including for post-transplant drugs (kidney transplant) - Rs 3 lakh</p>.<p>Patient spending (first 2 yrs) - Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 a month</p>.<p>Life-long costs - Rs 2,000-Rs 10,000 a month</p>.<p>Cost of blood tests - Rs 2,000-Rs 10,000 a month</p>
