Punjab has taken a landmark step in public healthcare by successfully completing its first government-run liver transplant, making advanced medical treatment more affordable and accessible to the public. The historic surgery was carried out at the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS), Mohali, a rapidly emerging center for high-end liver care.
The transplant surgery was performed on November 27, and the patient is now recovering steadily. Expected to be discharged soon, the case is being hailed as a breakthrough for government-led medical interventions in India.
💸 A Major Win for Affordable Healthcare
One of the most notable aspects of this surgery is its cost-effectiveness.
Cost Comparison: Government vs Private
| Type of Hospital | Cost of Liver Transplant |
|---|---|
| Government Hospital (PILBS) | ₹12 lakh |
| Private Hospitals | ₹45–50 lakh |
This drastic reduction in cost:
- Makes advanced treatment accessible for middle-class and poor families
- Reduces financial burden on patients
- Strengthens trust in government medical institutions
🧑⚕️ About the Surgery & Recovery
- Conducted by a skilled team of transplant surgeons.
- Complex procedure successfully completed in a govt-run setup.
- Patient is recovering “exceptionally well.”
- Expected to return home soon with full post-op support.
This successful operation proves Punjab now has the infrastructure and expertise for high-risk, high-skill medical procedures within the public sector.
🏗️ PILBS Mohali: Emerging as a Liver Care Hub
The Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences is quickly evolving as a specialized center for:
- Liver transplants
- Biliary surgeries
- Hepatology care
- Advanced diagnostics
Major upgrades underway:
- New patient care block
- State-of-the-art diagnostic units
- Expansion of liver disease treatment facilities
These improvements aim to turn PILBS into one of North India’s top liver care institutes.
🌍 Punjab to Expand Organ Transplant Services
This success has motivated the government to scale organ transplant services across the state.
Future plans include:
- Setting up transplant units in government medical colleges
- Increasing access for rural and economically weaker sections
- Strengthening cadaveric organ donation programs
- Training medical teams for advanced surgery
These steps will reshape Punjab’s healthcare landscape in the coming years.
⭐ Why This Achievement Matters
Benefits to the People:
- Affordable life-saving treatment
- Reduced dependence on private hospitals
- Strengthened public medical infrastructure
- Improved organ transplant accessibility
Benefits to the State:
- Boosts Punjab’s healthcare reputation
- Encourages medical innovation
- Paves the way for future complex surgeries
🔍 Key Highlights at a Glance
- Punjab performs first govt-run liver transplant at PILBS Mohali.
- Surgery cost ₹12 lakh, far less than private rates (₹45–50 lakh).
- Patient recovering well and will be discharged soon.
- PILBS evolving into a major liver transplant center.
- More govt-run transplant services coming to medical colleges across Punjab.
❓ FAQs
1. Is this the first liver transplant performed by the Punjab government?
Yes, this is the first-ever government-run liver transplant in the state.
2. How much does the surgery cost at PILBS Mohali?
Approximately ₹12 lakh, significantly cheaper than private hospitals.
3. Is PILBS equipped for more such surgeries?
Yes. With upgrades and trained medical teams, PILBS is preparing for regular liver transplants.
4. Will organ transplant services expand to other govt hospitals?
Yes, the state plans to introduce transplant units in multiple govt medical colleges.
5. How long does recovery take after a liver transplant?
Most patients require 2–3 weeks of hospital stay, followed by long-term monitoring.
