Liver recipients root for transplants

The transplant saved Shah’s life. “I want to work as an animator for animation films,” Shah said at a programme organised by the management of Jaslok Hospital and Research Center at Peddar Road to commemorate the hospital’s achievement of having performed 26 liver transplants in the past five years.

Chiranjiv Shah (14), was all set to appear for his Class 10 exam in February. However, he chose to miss it for something more important.

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The Ghatkopar resident had been suffering from liver cirrhosis for over two years before he underwent a transplant at Jaslok hospital on February 26.

The transplant saved Shah’s life. “I want to work as an animator for animation films,” Shah said at a programme organised by the management of Jaslok Hospital and Research Center at Peddar Road to commemorate the hospital’s achievement of having performed 26 liver transplants in the past five years.

The hospital management claims this is the highest number of liver transplants by any city hospital.

“We wanted to help people realise that liver transplantation is effective by having the patients address them. Most people awaiting a transplant develop cold feet towards the end because they are not sure whether it’s worth the risk to opt for a lengthy procedure. But the quality of life improves once the transplant happens,” said S.K. Mohanty, hospital’s medical director.

Dr Sanjay Nagral, consultant hepatobiliary surgeon at the hospital said, “While awareness about organ transplant in the city is improving, the cost of the procedure is often a limiting factor for patients. Also, there is a long waiting period if no live donor is available. We hope to change that in the near future.”