Command Hospital performs its first live kidney transplant

In a major leap forward for transplant healthcare in the region, Command Hospital, Chandimandir, has successfully performed its first-ever live kidney transplant. The procedure marks the hospital’s formal transition from a Non-Transplant Organ Retrieval Centre (NTORC) to a recognised transplant-performing institution.

Body donated to PGI

The family of a Zirakpur resident, Ajai Bakshi (73), on Tuesday donated his body to the Department of Anatomy, PGIMER. Bakshi’s wife Sunita Bakshi, son Sidharth Bakshi and daughter Akanksha Bakshi donated the body, earning heartfelt gratitude for their selfless act.

The transplant was facilitated under the guidance of the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) North, headquartered at PGIMER, Chandigarh. The operation was made possible following Command Hospital’s recent approval to carry out live kidney transplants. The accomplishment cements the hospital’s place within the national transplantation network and underscores its evolving capabilities in advanced surgical care.

The surgery involved donor Asha (50), wife of Late Karan Singh, who donated a kidney to 28-year-old Jyoti Bala. Both donor and recipient are reported to be in stable condition post-surgery. Lauding the achievement, Dr Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent of PGIMER and Nodal Officer of ROTTO (North), called it “a proud moment for ROTTO North and Command Hospital alike”.

Dr (Col) Anurag Garg, Transplant Coordinator and Palliative Physician at Command Hospital, said, “Obtaining the transplant licence earlier this year and realising our first live transplant is a significant medical and institutional achievement. We are grateful to ROTTO for their unwavering support.”

Chandigarh