Arunachal Pradesh recorded a historic landmark in its medical sector as the state's first-ever successful kidney transplant procedure was conducted at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) located in Naharlagun. The complex operation was executed by the medical team at the institute in technical collaboration with specialist doctors from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, opening up new avenues for advanced tertiary healthcare within the state.
A Sister's Life-Saving Gift
The successful organ transplant involved an act of familial devotion, as an elder sister donated one of her kidneys to save her brother's life. Following the surgery, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited the institute to meet both the recovering patient and his sister, offering his best wishes and commending the family's courage.
During his visit, Khandu interacted extensively with the panel of surgeons, attending nurses, medical technicians, and supporting healthcare staff. He lauded their unwavering dedication and highlighted that their collective effort made this pioneering clinical outcome possible for the region.
Three Years of Strategic Capacity Building
This surgical milestone comes as the fruit of a three-year institutional partnership between the state government and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The collaboration was designed specifically to upgrade the skills of doctors and clinical staff at the institute through continuous training, mentorship, and professional guidance.
Expressing his gratitude on social media, Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated in a post on X that the guidance provided by the specialist team from New Delhi empowered the local institution to reach this operational capability. He underscored that the structured exchange program built the necessary competencies to execute high-end organ transplantations locally.
Gratitude to Medical Leaders and Future Plans
The Chief Minister extended special appreciation to renowned transplant surgeon Dr Harsha Jauhari alongside the broader clinical team from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He noted that Dr Jauhari's expertise and persistent mentorship were fundamental in developing the institution's renal transplant capabilities. Furthermore, Khandu acknowledged Dr Rashmi Saluja and ProGrow International for their ongoing support in facilitating the institutional alliance.
Looking ahead, Khandu requested Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to sustain and further strengthen the hand-holding program. Continued collaboration will enable the medical personnel at the institute to master every aspect of specialized organ transplant care independently over time.
