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First heart transplant paved way for rest
MUMBAI: As Mumbai celebrates the anniversary of its first successful heart transplant on August 4, doctors said that the landmark transplant has boosted awareness
MUMBAI: As Mumbai celebrates the anniversary of its first successful heart transplant on August 4, doctors said that the landmark transplant has boosted awareness about cadaver donations. After Anwar Khan (22) underwent the heart transplant surgery on August 4, 2015, as many as 23 surgeries have given a new lease of life to as many individuals in the city, with 18 done this year alone.
Dr Anvay Mulay, head of cardiac surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, who performed the heart transplant last year, which took place in city after a gap of 47 years (the earlier surgeries were unsuccessful), said, “The technique of doing a heart transplant is the same the one used in 1968 (at civic run KEM Hospital K Sen and is team). However, what has improved are the logistics.”
Khan, the first heart transplant patient, will enroll for a fashion designing course on Tuesday. After spending four months in a sanitised room Anwar had started living with his family and continued his routine work.
“I go to gym, watch movies and taking my medicines on time. I am feeling perfectly healthy now and will continue my studies,” said Anwar. His father Jamil said that the medical expense has come down to Rs15,000 a month and he is thankful that the hospital not only waved off their bill of over Rs25 lakh but also saved the life of his son.
“One has to gave a good team to make a facility like a heart transplant surgery work as there are times when crucial decisions have to be taken,” said Dr Vijay Agarwal, paediatric heart surgeon, Fortis Hospital.
Dr Sujata Pathwardhan, a Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee member, said the government has shown keen interest to encourage the state’s cadaver donation. “At this point I am not allowed to give out more details on that, but the government will officially talk about it this week,” she said.
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