SHRI scripts history – First kidney transplant surgery conducted

IMPHAL, Aug 20 : Dubbed as one of the best health care service providers in the region, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), a multi- speciality hospital, scripted history by successfully conducting the first ever kidney transplantation surgery in the State.
Highlighting the remarkable achievement to mediapersons today at the auditorium of SHRI, Langol,  Chairman cum Managing Director of SHRI Dr Kh Palin said the long cherished dream of SHRI finally materialized on August 14 after kidney transplantation surgery was successfully conducted on Namoijam Rajesh (recipient) of Bishnupur Ward No 3 by well-trained surgeons.
The 29 year old patient, youngest of five siblings has been suffering from chronic renal failure and steroid induced diabetes mellitus since 2013. Kidney transplantation was the best treatment option for the patient. Namoijam Somananda, elder brother of Rajesh is the donor, he added.
SHRI which has been working earnestly to perform such transplant surgery was given permission by the State Government on April 22 after thorough inspection of the current facilities and staff, Dr Palin said.
Shija Institute of Renal Sciences, a unit of SHRI conducted the painstaking four-hour surgery which was led by Dr Somorendro Paonam, Consultant Urologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon, SHRI,  Dr Sananda Bag, Senior Consultant Urologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon, Yasoda Hospitals, Hyderabad and Dr P Guliver, Director and Consultant Nephrologist, Shija Institute of Renal Sciences on August 14, he added. The procedure is known as Living Related Renal Allograft Transplantation (LRRAT).
Medical Superintendent Dr Jugindra stated that SHRI could perform the first ever kidney transplantation surgery only because of the trust and confidence of the patient’s family. He also expressed gratitude to the Director, Health Services and the entire team of Medical Directorate for granting certificate of registration to SHRI for organ transplantation.
Expressing joy on seeing the surgery being successfully conducted, elder brother of both the donor and recipient Premjit Namoijam conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the entire team of SHRI.
Dr Guliver also highlighted various aspects and important functions of the kidney and other common causes of kidney failure and its treatments.
On the otherhand, Dr Somorendro Paonam spoke on various aspects of kidney transplantation, its history, technical details of the surgery including the present health condition of the patient.
He also stated that Manipur is the second State after Assam in the North East region to have kidney transplant facility. He further stated that the future plan of Shija Institute of Renal Sciences is to have the transplant programme running by provide health services to more patients from the neighbouring States and countries particularly Myanmar as well. It is also planning to start deceased or cadaveric donor programme.
Both Dr Guliver Potsangbam and Dr Somorendro Paonam informed that patient Namoijam Rajesh is recuperating well and will be soon fit for discharge.
Responding to reporters’ query, Dr Palin said SHRI would strictly follow the guidelines for organs transplant and no unethical practices would be encouraged in any form.
He also stressed on PPP healthcare model in order to provide affordable quality healthcare to the economically weaker section of the society. The cost of the first ever kidney transplant in Manipur is about Rs 3.6 lakh, he said.
He further said that SHRI would approach the State Government to frame certain policies and programmes to provide insurance cover and other facilities to decrease the cost of the surgery.