Kidney Transplant GMC Srinagar Successfully Restarts Live-Related Kidney Transplantation Program
Srinagar, May 25 : In a landmark achievement for healthcare in the region, the Nephrology and Urology Departments at the Superspeciality Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, have successfully performed their first live-related kidney transplant after the recent revival of the program. This milestone ushers in a new era of hope for patients reliant on dialysis and awaiting kidney transplants.
A patient in his 50s suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) received a kidney from his wife. The procedure was carried out free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Golden Card Scheme, ensuring quality healthcare remains both accessible and affordable.
Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare, J&K UT, lauded the achievement, stating, “This successful kidney transplant represents a quantum leap in our healthcare capabilities. The UT administration remains committed to providing advanced medical care to all citizens, and this achievement at GMC Srinagar aligns perfectly with our vision of equitable healthcare under Ayushman Bharat.”
Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal and Dean of GMC Srinagar, expressed her satisfaction, saying, “The successful resumption of live-related kidney transplantation at our center stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Urology, Nephrology, and Anaesthesia teams, as well as the unwavering support of the administration.”
Prof. (Dr.) Syed Sajjad Nazir, Head of the Department of Urology and Chairman of the Kidney Transplantation Program, expressed his joy at the successful procedure, stating, “The revival of live-related kidney transplants at GMC Srinagar renews hope for patients with chronic kidney disease. The availability of this life-saving procedure locally—combined with financial coverage under Ayushman Bharat—will help save many lives without the burden of exorbitant treatment costs.”
Dr. Tajamul H. Mir, Head of the Department of Nephrology and Vice-Chairman of the Kidney Transplantation Program, praised the collective efforts of all departments involved in restarting the program. He emphasized the significant relief this brings to patients who previously had to travel outside the region for transplants.
Administrator of Associated Hospitals GMC Srinagar, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak; Head of Anesthesiology & Critical Care, Prof. Dr. Hina Bashir; and Medical Superintendent, Dr. Rubeena Shaheen, also expressed their pride and congratulated the entire medical team on this remarkable achievement.
GMC Srinagar extended heartfelt thanks to all contributors, especially Prof. (Dr.) Shailesh Raina, Director of Kidney Transplantation at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, for his invaluable guidance and support in reviving the program.
With this successful transplant, the Superspeciality Hospital at GMC Srinagar has re-established itself as a center of excellence for renal care in North India. The hospital now plans to expand its transplant program to benefit more patients suffering from chronic kidney disease.
