Tripura makes history with first-ever successful kidney transplant at GB Pant Hospital

Agartala: Tripura crossed a significant milestone in healthcare with the state's first-ever successful kidney transplant surgery at GB Pant Hospital and Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC).

The complex five-hour surgery, a first for the state, was performed on a 20-year-old patient.

Dr. Sankar Chakraborty, Medical Superintendent of GB Pant Hospital and AGMC said an extensive planning paved the way for this achievement.

He said the process started with a team formed on August 23, 2023, led by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Debbarma (now Director of Health Service).

"The team, comprising transplant specialists, meticulously developed a protocol by January 4, 2024. This protocol received the green light from Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on January 18, 2024," he said.

Recognizing the need for expert guidance, the team sought mentorship from Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Manipur, a leading facility in the Northeast.

Dr. Chakraborty said the young patient, who was admitted in the hospital in January with critical kidney function, was required immediate dialysis.

During a "Mukhyamantri Samipesu" (Chief Minister's Public Interaction) session, the patient's family directly appealed for help to Dr. Saha. This prompted swift action – the team collaborated with Shija Hospitals and state doctors, conducted thorough medical examinations, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shija in May.

The surgery, performed on July 8, saw the patient's mother generously donate a kidney. Significantly, the entire procedure was free for the patient, with the government covering all costs, including those for the visiting team from Manipur.

Dr. Guliver Potsangbam, a nephrologist from Shija Hospitals and Research Institute who led the team, confirmed the surgery's success and the patient's stable recovery.

He said that the surgery, initiated at 9 AM, concluded by 2:30 PM with a 100% success rate for organ survival. Dr. Potsangbam commended the Tripura team's prompt implementation of recommendations and the well-equipped facilities at GB Pant Hospital.

He pledged continued mentorship until the GB Pant and AGMC team can independently perform such life-saving surgeries.