Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a major healthcare milestone by conducting its first kidney transplant at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Itanagar. A 34-year-old man received a kidney from his 45-year-old sister during the procedure on Sunday. Senior transplant specialists from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi supported the TRIHMS team.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the achievement reflects the growing capabilities of doctors and nurses in the state. The government also plans to expand kidney transplant services and strengthen other specialised medical departments.
Read More: Nimisha Thakuria Death: Ashiq Ali in Court
Key Facts
- Location: TRIHMS, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
- Procedure: First kidney transplant in the state
- Recipient: 34-year-old man
- Donor: 45-year-old sister of the recipient
- Medical support: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
- Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
- Training period: Three years
- Kidney transplant assistance: Increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹12.5 lakh
- Programme: CM CARES initiative
Arunachal Pradesh Achieves First Kidney Transplant
Arunachal Pradesh has conducted its first kidney transplant at TRIHMS in Itanagar. The procedure marks an important step in the development of advanced healthcare services in the state.
A team of senior transplant specialists from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi supported the TRIHMS medical team during the surgery.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the achievement on September 28. He said the successful procedure shows that TRIHMS doctors and nurses have developed the skills needed to perform specialised transplant procedures.
34-Year-Old Man Receives Kidney From Sister
TRIHMS transplant surgeon Dr Naloh Mibang said a 34-year-old man received the kidney from his 45-year-old sister.
Doctors checked the vital parameters of both the recipient and donor on Monday. The medical team found both stable and expected them to recover over the next 48 to 72 hours.
After the surgery, Khandu visited TRIHMS with the Health Minister and Health Advisor. During the visit, he met the recipient and the donor’s relatives.
Three Years of Medical Training
The state government has worked with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for the past three years to strengthen transplant-related skills at TRIHMS.
During this period, several groups of doctors and nurses from Arunachal Pradesh received training at the Delhi hospital. Moreover, doctors from the state accompanied patients travelling to Delhi for treatment.
This experience gave the medical teams practical exposure to transplant procedures. As a result, TRIHMS has gradually developed the capacity to conduct kidney transplants locally.
Khandu also asked Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to continue its support until the Arunachal Pradesh medical team can independently perform the specialised procedure.
More Kidney Transplants Planned
The state government now plans to increase the number of kidney transplants at TRIHMS.
Health and Family Welfare Secretary Vivek H P said TRIHMS conducted the first transplant using its existing medical facilities and specialist teams.
However, doctors will initially perform a limited number of procedures. Meanwhile, medical staff will continue training and gain further experience in transplant care.
The government also plans to strengthen other specialised departments at TRIHMS. Cardiology will remain a major focus, including further development of its DNB training programme.
Organ Transplant Financial Assistance Increased
Along with developing medical infrastructure, the Arunachal Pradesh government has increased financial assistance for organ transplants.
The government has raised kidney transplant assistance from ₹10 lakh to ₹12.5 lakh. Similarly, bone marrow transplant support has increased from ₹15 lakh to ₹17.5 lakh.
In addition, liver transplant assistance has increased from ₹20 lakh to ₹22.5 lakh. The CM CARES initiative provides the additional ₹2.5 lakh support for each procedure.
The government aims to reduce the financial burden on families who require expensive specialised treatment.
TRIHMS Could Develop as Northeast Healthcare Centre
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital transplant surgeon Dr Harsh Jauhari supervised the kidney transplant. He described the procedure as the beginning of a larger transplant programme at TRIHMS.
Jauhari also highlighted the growing burden of kidney-related diseases. He pointed to conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension as factors that can contribute to kidney failure.
Therefore, he said TRIHMS could eventually develop into a centre of excellence for the Northeast. Such a facility could provide specialised kidney treatment to patients from Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states.
Cancer Hospital Project Also Progressing
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu provided an update on the cancer hospital under construction at Midpu.
Around 55% of the construction work has been completed, according to Khandu. The project faced delays because of land-related issues. However, construction has now progressed.
The government expects the cancer hospital to become operational next year. Officials have also started assessing the manpower requirements for the facility.
Questions and Answers
What is the major healthcare achievement in Arunachal Pradesh?
TRIHMS in Itanagar has conducted the state’s first kidney transplant.
Who received the kidney transplant?
A 34-year-old man received a kidney from his 45-year-old sister.
Who supported the transplant procedure?
Senior transplant specialists from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi supported the TRIHMS team.
How much financial assistance will kidney transplant patients receive?
The government has increased assistance from ₹10 lakh to ₹12.5 lakh under the CM CARES initiative.
Will TRIHMS conduct more kidney transplants?
Yes. The state government plans to expand the number of procedures as doctors and nurses gain more experience.
What other healthcare project is progressing in Arunachal Pradesh?
A cancer hospital at Midpu has reached around 55% construction completion and is expected to become operational next year.
Location Context
Itanagar serves as the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and an important healthcare centre in Northeast India. The development of kidney transplant services at TRIHMS could help patients access advanced treatment closer to home instead of travelling to major cities outside the region.
Also Read: CJP school audit now faces Assam authority questions