Gauhati Medical College (GMCH) Conducts First Ever Bone Marrow Transplant

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has successfully conducted its first bone marrow transplant on a 45-year-old male patient, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said while addressing a press meet.

CM Sarma said an experienced team, led by GMCH's Hematology Department Head Dr Jina Bhattacharjee, conducted the operation a few days ago and the patient was discharged earlier today.

"This is the first time that GMCH has conducted a bone marrow (or stem cell) transplant and it was successful. The patient hails from Kamalpur area of Kamrup district. I congratulate the entire team," said Sarma, flanked by senior doctors of the state-run hospital.

It may be mentioned that in July last year, doctors at B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) had conducted the first bone marrow transplant, which was the first such transplant in a public sector hospital in the Northeast.

The CM said as the patient needs to be under extreme care for the next few months, he will not appear in front of the media for the time being.

"The cost of bone marrow transplant in a private hospital is around Rs 8-10 lakh, while it will be Rs 2 lakh at GMCH," Sarma said.

Further, the Chief Minister also mulled at openning a liver transplant procudure in the coming year at the GMCH.

Meanwhile, the state government would soon enhance Ayushman Bharat scheme's coverage in the state.

"A new insurance scheme under Ayushman Bharat (which currently covers 27 lakh families in Assam) will be declared by the government so that we can provide universal healthcare in the state," said the chief minister.

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