Pancreas Transplant Cost In India

In the field of medical science, pancreatic diseases can cast a long shadow over one’s quality of life. For individuals grappling with severe pancreatic issues like diabetes or pancreatitis, a pancreas transplant can be a beacon of hope, offering the promise of renewed health and vitality. However, as with any medical procedure, the cost of a pancreas transplant is a significant consideration. This article will get into the intricacies of pancreas transplant cost in India, which has emerged as a hub for affordable yet world-class medical care.

Renowned for its proficiency in medical science and technology, India has steadily gained recognition as a sought-after destination for various medical treatments, including pancreas transplants. One of the most compelling factors drawing patients to India is the affordability of medical services without compromising on quality. Compared to countries like the United States and some European nations, where healthcare costs can be exorbitant, India offers hope for those seeking cost-effective alternatives.

The cost of a pancreas transplant in India can differ based on a variety of factors, including the choice of hospital, the medical team’s experience, the type of transplant (isolated pancreas transplant or combined kidney-pancreas transplant), and the patient’s specific medical condition. However, what sets India apart is its ability to provide world-class medical care at a fraction of the cost seen in many Western countries. Patients travelling to India for a pancreas transplant can expect to receive the same level of expertise, advanced technology, and post-operative care that they would receive elsewhere but at a significantly lower price point.

In this blog, we will look closely at the key components contributing to the overall cost of a pancreas transplant in India. We will explore the factors that patients should consider when planning their journey to better health, including hospital choices, the role of insurance, and potential additional expenses. By shedding light on the nuances of pancreas transplant costs in India, we aim to empower individuals with the information they need to make proper decisions about their medical journey.

Pancreas Transplant Cost In India

A pancreas transplant is a life-saving procedure that can cure diabetes and its complications. However, it is not a simple or cheap procedure. It requires a lot of preparation, evaluation, surgery and follow-up care. It also involves taking anti-rejection drugs for life to prevent rejection.

The cost of a pancreas transplant in India can fluctuate depending on several factors, like the type of transplant, the hospital, the surgeon, the duration of stay and the medications. The average cost of a pancreas transplant in India can range between ₹7,95,310 (10,000 USD) – ₹15 lakhs (19,893 USD). India has some of the world’s best hospitals for pancreas transplants, with state-of-the-art technology, infrastructure and expertise.

Factors Affecting The Pancreas Transplant Cost In India

The cost of a pancreas transplant in India, as in any country, can vary significantly based on various factors. Here are some of the key factors that can affect the cost of a pancreas transplant in India:

1. Type of Transplant: The cost can vary depending on the type of pancreas transplant. There are two main types: a pancreas transplant alone (PTA) and a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK). SPK transplants tend to be more expensive due to the added complexity and the need for two organs.

2. Hospital and Surgeon Fees: The choice of hospital and surgeon can greatly impact the cost. High-end, specialised hospitals and experienced surgeons typically charge more for their services.

3. Medical Evaluation and Testing: Before the transplant, patients undergo a series of medical evaluations and tests to determine their eligibility. The cost of these tests and assessments can add to the overall expense.

4. Organ Procurement: Obtaining a donor pancreas involves costs related to organ procurement, transportation, and preservation. These expenses vary based on the distance between the donor and recipient hospitals.

5. Post-Transplant Care: The cost of post-transplant care, including medications, follow-up visits, and potential complications, can significantly impact the overall cost. Immunosuppressive medications are required for life to prevent organ rejection and can be particularly expensive.

6. Duration of Hospital Stay: The length of hospitalisation post-transplant can vary depending on the patient’s condition and any complications that may arise. A more extended hospital stay can increase costs.

7. Geographic Location: The cost of healthcare services can vary widely across different cities and regions in India. Major metropolitan areas may have higher fees than smaller towns.

8. Insurance Coverage: If a patient has health insurance that covers organ transplants, it can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The extent of coverage and the type of insurance plan can impact costs.

9. Donor Source: If the donor is a deceased individual, there may be associated costs for organ recovery and transportation. Living donors may sometimes donate a portion of their pancreas, which can impact costs differently.

10. Additional Expenses: Miscellaneous expenses such as travel, accommodation, and caregiver costs for both the recipient and the donor (if living) can add to the overall costs.

It’s important for individuals considering a pancreas transplant to consult with their healthcare providers, transplant coordinators, and insurance companies to get a detailed estimate of the potential costs involved. Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the long-term financial implications of post-transplant care, including the cost of immunosuppressive medications, which can be a significant ongoing expense.

Best Hospitals For Pancreas Transplant In India

1) PGIMER, Chandigarh 

PGIMER is one of the country’s leading medical institutes. PGIMER has a dedicated department of renal transplant surgery, which has performed the highest number of pancreas transplants in India till date. PGIMER has done 28 transplants, while AIIMS Delhi has done only two. These transplants are mainly for patients who have kidney failure due to diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes. By transplanting both the kidney and the pancreas, the surgeons can treat both conditions and make the patients insulin-free.

PGIMER has also achieved some remarkable milestones in pancreas transplant surgery. For instance, it has successfully performed the first simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant in a patient with type 2 diabetes, a rare and challenging procedure. It has also reported the first childbirth after a pancreas transplant in India, which is a sign of good long-term outcomes and quality of life for the recipient. The mother, who had type 1 diabetes since childhood, delivered a healthy baby girl four years after undergoing the transplant at PGIMER.

PGIMER has a team of experienced and skilled surgeons, endocrinologists, nephrologists, anaesthetists, immunologists and other specialists who work together to provide the best patient care. 

2) Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is part of the Apollo Hospitals Group, which is the largest healthcare provider in Asia. Established in 1996, the hospital has 710 beds, 52 specialities, 14 operation theatres, and over 1500 doctors. The hospital is accredited by the JCI, the NABH, & the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The hospital has a dedicated organ transplant institute offers comprehensive services for liver, kidney, heart, lung, intestine, and pancreas transplants. The institute has a unit of highly qualified and experienced transplant surgeons, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, anesthesiologists, intensivists, nurses, coordinators, and counsellors. The institute also has state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, such as advanced operating rooms, intensive care units, isolation rooms, a blood bank, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and radiology.

The pancreas transplant program at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is one of the most successful and pioneering programs in India. The program was launched in 2016 and has performed several complex and rare procedures since then. Some of the achievements of the program are:

– The first pancreas transplant in the private sector in India in 2016

– The first simultaneous liver-intestine-pancreas transplant in India in 2016

– The first simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant in South India in 2016

– The highest number of pancreas transplants in India, with over 50 procedures till date

– The highest survival rate of pancreas transplant recipients in India, with over 90% success rate

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is committed to providing world-class care and support to patients who need a pancreas transplant. The hospital also has a robust ethical policy and follows the guidelines of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) of India.

3) Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai

Apollo Hospitals Greams Road Chennai is one of the leading multi-speciality hospitals in India, offering a wide range of medical services, including organ transplantation. It is part of the Apollo Transplant Institutes, the world’s most extensive and India’s oldest multi-organ transplant program with 90% success rates. Apollo Transplant Institutes has successfully performed over 21,000 organ transplant surgeries, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, intestine and pancreas.

Apollo Hospitals Greams Road Chennai has a team of internationally renowned transplant surgeons, physicians, intensivists and anaesthetists who deliver the highest standard of care for pancreas transplant patients. The hospital has state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment to provide the best possible outcomes. The hospital also has a comprehensive living donor and cadaver transplant program.

Some of the achievements of Apollo Hospitals Greams Road Chennai in organ transplantation are:

– The first hospital in India to successfully perform a pediatric liver transplant in 1998.

– The first hospital in India to perform 50 lung transplants.

– The first hospital in India to perform combined heart and lung transplants.

– The first hospital in India to perform combined kidney and pancreas transplants.

4) Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) is a multispecialty hospital in Gurgaon, India that offers a range of medical services, including pancreas transplant. 

According to the Fortis Healthcare website, FMRI has advanced centres of excellence in transplants (kidney and liver), gastroenterology and GI surgery, among others. It also has a team of reputed clinicians, including super-specialists and speciality nurses, supported by cutting-edge technology. FMRI is the only Indian hospital featured on Newsweek’s top 25 ‘World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2021’ list. 

FMRI is one of the few centres in India that offer pancreas transplants as an option for people with type 1 diabetes who also have severe complications or poor blood sugar control. It has a dedicated team of transplant surgeons, nephrologists, endocrinologists, anaesthetists, intensivists, nurses, coordinators and counsellors who provide comprehensive care to the patients before, during and after the transplant. It also has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to ensure safe and successful patient outcomes.

5) BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi

BLK-Max is one of the largest stand-alone private sector hospitals in Delhi, offering various services in various specialities, including digestive and liver diseases. BLK-Max has a dedicated department for liver transplantation, which deals with the entire spectrum of liver, biliary tract and pancreas conditions requiring surgical treatment. BLK-Max has performed several successful living donor liver transplants, which are considered to be more complex and challenging than deceased donor transplants. 

BLK-Max also has a state-of-the-art infrastructure with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools, such as robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP, etc. BLK-Max has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, surgeons, nurses and paramedical staff who are committed to providing the best possible care to the patients. BLK-Max has also received several accreditations and awards for its excellence in healthcare delivery, such as NABH, NABL, JCI, etc.

BLK-Max has also been involved in various research and academic activities related to pancreas transplants, such as publishing papers, conducting workshops, organising conferences, etc.

6) Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH) is a top-class multi-speciality tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India. It offers outstanding healthcare services under the care of distinguished experts, including pancreas and small bowel transplants.

KDAH has a dedicated Centre for Transplants that provides comprehensive and holistic care for patients needing pancreas transplants. The centre has a unit of highly qualified and experienced transplant surgeons, hepatologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, anaesthetists, intensivists, nurses, coordinators and counsellors who work together to ensure the best outcomes for the patients.

The centre has state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology to perform various types of pancreas transplants, such as living donor, deceased donor, ABO incompatible, auxiliary, dual lobe and swap transplants. The centre also conducts pancreas and kidney transplantation for patients with kidney failure.

7) Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road), Bangalore

Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road) Bangalore is one of India’s leading organ transplant centres. It offers various transplant services, including pancreas transplants, for patients with diabetes and kidney failure.

Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road) Bangalore has a team of experienced and skilled surgeons, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who provide comprehensive care for patients undergoing pancreas transplants. The hospital has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to perform complex transplant surgeries with high success rates. The hospital also has a dedicated organ transplant unit that provides pre-transplant evaluation, post-transplant follow-up, counselling, education, and support for patients and their families.

Some of the achievements of Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road) Bangalore in the field of pancreas transplants are:

– It performed the first successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPK) in Karnataka 2013.

– It performed the first successful pancreas after kidney transplant (PAK) in South India in 2015.

– It performed the first successful pancreas transplant alone (PTA) in South India in 2016.

– It has performed over 50 pancreas transplants to date with excellent outcomes.

– It has a robust organ donation program encouraging people to donate their organs after death to save lives.

8) Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon

Artemis Hospital is a multi-speciality hospital situated in Gurgaon, India. It is the first JCI and NABH-accredited hospital in Gurgaon and offers a wide range of advanced medical and surgical interventions. One of its specialities is organ transplant, performed by a team of experienced surgeons, doctors and support staff.

Artemis Hospital has also been recognised for its excellence in organ transplant by various national and international awards, such as:

– FICCI Healthcare Excellence recognition for Operational Excellence in 2012.

– Times Healthcare Achievers Award for Best Multi-Speciality Hospital in Delhi NCR in 2017.

– British Medical Journal Award for Quality Improvement Team of the Year in 2018.

– International Hospital Federation Award for Corporate Social Responsibility in 2019.

9) Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai

Nanavati Max Hospital is one of the finest hospitals in Mumbai, India, that offers state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive care for liver, pancreas and intestine transplantation. The hospital has a dedicated liver, pancreas and intestine transplantation institute equipped with ultra-modern intensive care units, advanced endoscopy suites and integrated operating theatres. 

The institute has highly experienced surgeons, hepatologists, gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists, intensivists, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, transplant coordinators, social workers and specialised nurses who follow a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of adult & paediatric patients with liver, pancreas and intestine disorders.

Some of the achievements of Nanavati Max Hospital in the field of pancreas transplantation are:

– The hospital performed the first successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation in Western India in 2019 for a 37-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus since childhood and end-stage renal disease.

– The hospital performed the first successful pancreas transplantation in Maharashtra in 2020 for a 28-year-old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus since childhood and recurrent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis.

– The hospital has performed more than 10 pancreas transplants till date with excellent outcomes and survival rates.

– The hospital has a dedicated pancreas transplant clinic that provides pre-transplant evaluation, post-transplant follow-up, immunosuppression management, infection prevention and education to the patients and their families.

10) Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram

Medanta The Medicity is a multi-speciality hospital in Gurugram, India that provides world-class treatment for various diseases and conditions, including pancreas transplants. Medanta has performed over 2500 liver transplants, including 50 combined liver and kidney transplants and 25 combined liver and pancreas transplants. 

Medanta has a team of experienced and qualified doctors specialising in pancreas transplants and other gastrointestinal surgeries. One of them is Dr. A.S. Soin, the chairman of the Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine. He has performed more than 3,000 liver transplants and more than 120 pancreas transplants in his career. Another is Dr. Perwaiz Ahmad, the director of the Medanta Division of GI Surgery, GI Oncology, Bariatric & Minimal Access Surgery. He performs more than 250 diverse gastrointestinal procedures monthly & has established himself among the leaders in pancreatic surgery in the country.

Pancreas Transplant Success Rate In India

The success rate of a pancreas transplant in India is relatively high. 95% of patients had an improved life span of 1 year after having a successful pancreas transplant & 88% of the patients had a life expectancy rate of 5 years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to considering a pancreas transplant in India, there are several key takeaways to keep in mind. Firstly, India has emerged as a prominent destination for medical tourism, and pancreas transplants are no exception. The country offers world-class medical facilities, highly skilled surgeons, and advanced technology, making it a viable option for those seeking this life-changing procedure.

One of the most compelling factors that draw patients to India is the cost advantage. The pancreas transplant cost in India is significantly lower compared to many Western countries. This affordability factor can be a game-changer for individuals & families facing the financial burden of organ transplantation. However, it’s essential to remember that while cost is a crucial consideration, it should not be the sole determinant of your decision. Ensure that you choose a reputed hospital with a successful track record in pancreas transplants.

Moreover, the availability of organs for transplantation is another vital aspect. India faces a shortage of organ donors, which can lead to longer waiting times for suitable pancreas organs. Patients need to understand that the success of the transplant greatly depends on the quality of the organ and the compatibility between the donor and recipient.

Additionally, post-transplant care and follow-up are critical for a successful pancreas transplant. Patients should be prepared for ongoing medical expenses, including immunosuppressive medications, regular check-ups, and potential complications. It’s advisable to have a comprehensive financial plan to cover these costs.

While India offers cost-effective pancreas transplants, it’s essential to approach this decision with thorough research and consultation with medical experts. Consider the overall quality of healthcare, the medical team’s expertise, the availability of organs, and the long-term financial commitments. Ultimately, a pancreas transplant in India can be a viable and financially attractive option for those in need, but it should be undertaken after careful consideration & planning to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient’s health and well-being.

Pancreas transplant surgery is expensive, often beyond the reach of many individuals and families. Crowdfunding provides a platform for people to raise funds quickly and efficiently, alleviating the financial burden. Crowdfunding taps into the power of community and social networks. It enables individuals to reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers who may be willing to contribute to their cause.