KOCHI: Ernakulam General Hospital is set to create history by becoming the first general hospital in the country to perform a heart transplant. The landmark surgery is expected to take place anytime from the second week of April. Currently, four patients — including two from Ernakulam and one from Cherthala — are on the waiting list. With all medical evaluations completed, the transplant will be conducted once a suitable donor heart becomes available.

The hospital, known for being the first general hospital in India to carry out kidney transplants and open-heart surgeries, has now secured all necessary approvals, including clearance from the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (K-SOTTO). The initiative began in collaboration with the government’s Mrithasanjeevani project, following the successful completion of five kidney transplants led by Dr. Anoop Krishnan.

Fully equipped facility
For the heart transplant, the hospital’s super-speciality block is fully prepared with two state-of-the-art operation theatres, an ICU with a six-member team, and a post-operative ward with over 20 beds. The surgeries will be performed under the leadership of Dr George Valooran, Dr Geo Paul, Dr Rahul, and Dr Roshna. The team consists of more than 45 members, including two anaesthetists, 33 nurses, and paramedical staff.

Machines worth crores
An additional Rs 1.5 crore worth of equipment has been arranged specifically for the heart transplant program. This includes two heart-lung machines worth Rs 1.5 crore, two HBP monitors worth Rs 50 lakh, and two ECMO machines. Funding was sourced from various contributors — Rs 70 lakh from Cochin Shipyard, Rs 50 lakh from the hospital development fund, and Rs 25 lakh from the Rotary fund.

“Ernakulam General Hospital is setting an example for the nation. All necessary procedures will be completed at the earliest.”
— Dr. R. Shaheer Shah, Superintendent, Ernakulam General Hospital