Odisha to Pioneer Free Heart Transplants at SCB Medical College

The SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, is set to provide free heart transplantation services. This initiative, in collaboration with Chennai-based MGM Healthcare, will offer training, screenings, and follow-ups, benefiting economically weaker patients. Initial transplants are free, leveraging existing infrastructure.

The SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack is on the brink of offering free heart transplantation services, a groundbreaking step announced by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling. This significant development arises from a newly inked MoU between the Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) and Chennai's MGM Healthcare.

Odisha's government is dedicated to delivering top-tier healthcare to its citizens, a commitment underscored by the provision of free heart transplant services to underprivileged heart patients. Minister Mahaling emphasized the potential transformative impact of this service, slated to commence at the hospital's cardiothoracic and vascular surgery department.

MGM Healthcare will bring its expertise to the table by training local doctors and managing initial patient assessments and post-surgery care. The infrastructure already in place at SCB Medical College enables the first ten heart transplants to be conducted at no cost, thanks to the service provider's agreement. Dr. Suresh Rao (MGM Healthcare) pointed out their facility's extensive experience, having completed over 650 heart transplants, inspiring their support for the Odisha initiative.

(With inputs from agencies.)