Jupiter Foundation introduces a unique, affordable Kidney Transplant Program for patients across the region
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Patients needing a kidney transplant to benefit through
Jupiter Foundation
The kidneys'
function is to filter blood to remove wastes, control the body's fluid balance,
and regulate the balance of electrolytes. Kidney function can fail due to
ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure and infection. However, the nature
of the organ is so unique that it is possible to lose as much as 80% of kidney
function without experiencing any symptoms or problems. When a patient loses 85
to 90 percent of his or her kidney function, they are considered to have End
Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
It is possible to
partially replicate the functions of the kidney using a blood filtering
procedure known as dialysis. However, this can be inconvenient and
time-consuming for the patient as well as the family, so a kidney transplant is
the treatment of choice for kidney failure whenever possible.
The challenges
faced by ailing families for kidney transplants are two-pronged – 1. getting a
cadaver donor and 2. the cost of transplant surgery. Thus, several patients
either continue putting up with dialysis or succumb to it due to
unaffordability of transplants. Hence, Jupiter Foundation has taken the lead to
take over the financial challenge for live-related transplants for end-stage
renal disease patients.
Speaking about the
initiative, Dr. Ajay Thakker, Chairman and Managing Director of Jupiter
Hospital said, "Jupiter Foundation
has taken the responsibility to financially assist those in need for a kidney
transplant by bearing more than half the cost of the surgery. The patient’s
family will only have to pay INR 2.75 lakh for the entire procedure - from day
of surgery till discharge - irrespective of any extended stay or treatment due
to unforeseen complications. We want to ensure that this facility reaches every
patient who is at the last stage of kidney failure with the hope that they live
a healthy and long life after kidney transplant”.
Speaking about
live-related donor transplants, renowned multi-organ transplant surgeon Dr.
Gaurav Chaubal said, “We have done
several successful kidney transplants and always strive to ensure that neither
the donor nor the patient face any major problems during or after the surgery.
For live-related transplants, we undertake laparoscopic nephrectomy (kidney
removal procedure) for the donor - which has several advantages over the conventional
open nephrectomy. This enables a shorter hospital stay for the donor with less
pain, minimal scars and an enhanced recovery post the surgery.”
Speaking on the
occasion, Nephrologist Dr. Shailesh Kakde said,
"When a patient suffers from
permanent kidney failure, and the functioning of the kidney stops to the extent
of 85 to 90 percent, the patient either needs permanent dialysis or a
kidney transplant. Transplant frees the patient from the need for dialysis
after surgery, dietary restriction is also reduced, the physical and mental
health of the patient improves, the cost of treatment gets reduced as compared
to dialysis. If a kidney transplant is done before he/she needs dialysis, it
can save the patient from Hepatitis B or C while the newly transplanted kidney continues
to function well."
Jupiter Hospital is
well-equipped with the best available facility to conduct successful transplant
surgeries and has been successful in transplanting more than 330 kidneys
so far. The hospital is equipped with necessary medical facilities and
equipment including a high-quality operation theatre, transplant intensive care
unit, beds with dialysis facility etc. In addition, a comprehensive team
of full time experts is also available for all kinds of transplants.
Jupiter Foundation
provides financial aid through to pediatric patients requiring cardiac surgery
under the program 'Hriday-sparsh'. Till date, 65 children have undergone heart surgeries
under this program. Jupiter Hospital also runs a Jupiter Charitable Institute
in Thane, which is a 51 bedded facility where patients can avail same medical
facilities at subsidized costs. The hospital undertakes several such
initiatives to ensure that quality healthcare is accessed by maximum number of
people in need.
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