Ernakulam General Hospital Set to Become the First District Hospital in India to Perform Heart Transplants

Thiruvananthapuram: Ernakulam General Hospital is all set to become the first district hospital in India to perform heart transplant surgeries. The Health Department has granted a license to the hospital for conducting heart transplants.

Health Minister Veena George handed over the license to Dr. Noble Gracious, Executive Director of K-SOTTO, and Dr. Shahir Shay, Superintendent of Ernakulam General Hospital, in a ceremony.

The minister stated that the hospital would initiate the necessary procedures to commence heart transplant surgeries as soon as possible. She highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing that it was a proud moment for the state and the country. Ernakulam General Hospital had previously made history by being the first district hospital in India to perform kidney transplants. Additionally, the hospital has performed the first-ever valve replacement surgery without open-heart surgery in the country.

The hospital boasts several specializations, including cardiology, and is equipped with two cath labs, NABH accreditation, and 7 super specialty departments. The addition of heart transplants will further solidify its position as a premier healthcare institution.

Currently, the only government hospital in the state performing heart transplants is the Kottayam Medical College, where 10 such surgeries have been conducted. With the Ernakulam General Hospital joining this endeavor, more patients will have access to this life-saving procedure.

The hospital has established a heart failure clinic to identify patients who are suitable candidates for heart transplants. This clinic operates every Wednesday to evaluate patients and list them for potential transplants. The Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) will facilitate the procurement of donor hearts.

The decision to grant a license for heart transplants at Ernakulam General Hospital was based on several factors, including the availability of a cardiology unit, a cardiology ICU, ventilators, a well-equipped transplant facility, a state-of-the-art operation theater, surgical instruments, and a team of expert doctors.

Heart transplants are complex procedures that require specialized expertise and infrastructure. The successful establishment of this program at Ernakulam General Hospital marks a significant milestone in the field of healthcare in India.