Kathmandu, July 11

Human Organ Transplant Centre in Bhaktapur is all set to conduct more liver transplant surgeries.

The centre launched liver transplantation surgery in the country in December last year, and the second liver transplant surgery was conducted on July 2, 2017.

Hira Kaji Maharjan, 57, a resident of Lagan, was the second person to undergo liver transplant surgery at HOTC. The liver was donated by his daughter Sarita Maharjan.

The liver transplant was conducted by a 30-member team of doctors and nurses from India and Nepal. While the Indian team was led by liver transplant surgeon Dr Subhash Gupta, chairman of Liver and Biliary Sciences at Max Healthcare, India, the Nepali team was led by liver and kidney transplant surgeon Dr Pukar Chandra Shrestha.

Every year more than 1,000 people are diagnosed with liver failure in Nepal. With the commencement of liver transplantation, patients can now avail the service in the country for around Rs 2.0 million, while the procedure costs as high as Rs 10 to 15 million in India and other countries. There are around 800,000 people with liver ailments in the country. The main reason behind liver failure is excessive consumption of alcohol.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education Gopal Man Shrestha congratulated and appreciated the hard work of HOTC. He said the government was ready to provide any type of assistance to the hospital to expand its services.

Endorsement of Human Organ Transplantation Regulations, 2016 has opened the door for liver transplantation. “We are planning to carry out at least one liver transplantation in a month at the centre,” said Dr Shrestha.