Karnataka's Transplant Program: Successes and Ongoing Challenges

Bengaluru, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Bengaluru: The Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) of the health and family welfare department has funded 640 organ transplants since its inception 11 years ago. This initiative has been a significant step forward in addressing the critical need for organ transplants in Karnataka, a state that has seen a growing demand for such medical procedures due to increasing rates of organ failure and a rising population.

Kidney transplants remain high with 486 sponsored transplants, according to data by the department. This number reflects the prevalent issue of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the region, which is often attributed to factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and lifestyle choices. The high number of kidney transplants indicates both the necessity for these procedures and the effectiveness of the SAST in facilitating them.

The programme recently expanded its offerings to include lung transplants, heart-lung transplants, and allogenic bone marrow transplants. So far, 13 liver transplants, 13 heart transplants, two heart-lung transplants, two lung transplants, and four allogenic bone marrow transplants have been successful. These expansions signify a progressive approach to addressing a broader spectrum of organ transplant needs, which is essential as the medical community continues to innovate and improve transplant success rates.

Explaining the importance of immunosuppressants, Dr. Prashant C. Dheerendra emphasized that “the consequences of regularly skipping immunosuppressants are dire. The transplanted organ can get rejected and it is generally not reversible. The patient may lose the transplanted organ. A transplant is only one part of the treatment; patients still have to take care and follow the prescribed treatment consistently.” This statement underscores the critical nature of post-transplant care and adherence to medication regimens, which are vital for the long-term success of organ transplants.

“Post-surgery care will be covered by the government and medications. The legalities necessary for the transplant will be the out-of-pocket expenditure for patients,” an official of SAST said. This statement highlights the mixed financial responsibility that patients face; while some aspects of care are funded through government programs, patients still bear significant costs related to legalities and possibly other ancillary services.

Adding to the out-of-pocket concerns, Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, principal director of renal sciences at Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, stated, “Given the regular visits to the nephrologist, routine blood tests and drug levels, screening for infection, the financial burden is high. It is increased by travel costs, loss of working days, and nutritional requirements.” These remarks bring to light the comprehensive nature of care required after a transplant, which can place a substantial financial strain on patients and their families, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The programme has been empanelled in 40 private hospitals and only five government hospitals in the state, including the Institute of Gastroenterology Sciences and Organ Transplant, Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, KIMS Hubballi, and Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. The limited number of government hospitals participating in the program raises questions about accessibility and equity in healthcare, particularly for patients who may not have the means to seek treatment in private facilities.

On increasing the number of government hospitals in the scheme, Gurudatt Hegde, commissioner for health and family welfare, stated, “Most of the health and family welfare hospitals are secondary care hospitals. So, we are discussing with the medical education department, as most of its hospitals are well-equipped to be brought under SAST.” This initiative could potentially enhance the reach of the transplant program, making it more accessible to a larger segment of the population and addressing disparities in healthcare access.

With four out of five government hospitals in Bengaluru, the highest number of transplants (122) have been undertaken in the city. The concentration of transplant activity in Bengaluru reflects the city's status as a medical hub, equipped with advanced healthcare facilities and specialists. However, it also indicates a potential imbalance in healthcare resources, as regions outside of Bengaluru, such as Udupi, have seen significantly lower transplant rates, with only five performed since 2015. This disparity raises concerns about geographic equity in healthcare services and the need for targeted initiatives to improve access in under-served areas.

The ongoing challenges faced by the Karnataka transplant program are multifaceted. While the successes in the number of transplants performed are commendable, the financial implications for patients, the limited number of participating government hospitals, and the geographic disparities in transplant access must be addressed. As the program evolves, it will be crucial for policymakers and healthcare providers to consider comprehensive strategies that enhance accessibility, affordability, and overall patient care in the realm of organ transplantation.

Moreover, the expansion of transplant types offered under the SAST program signifies a growing recognition of the diverse needs of patients facing organ failure. Continued education and outreach about the importance of organ donation and the availability of transplant services are essential to increase donor rates and ensure that more patients can benefit from life-saving procedures.

In summary, while Karnataka's transplant program has made significant strides in recent years, the path forward will require sustained efforts to overcome financial barriers, expand hospital participation, and ensure equitable access to transplant services across the state. The health and family welfare department's commitment to addressing these challenges will be vital in shaping the future of organ transplantation in Karnataka, ultimately improving outcomes for patients in need.