Bhubaneswar: Union Health Minister J P Nadda Monday inaugurated in virtual mode the Liver Transplant Unit & Robotic Surgery System at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. With the commissioning of the state of the art surgical robotic system, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has successfully established a comprehensive Liver Transplant Programme and commissioned a state-of-the-art Surgical Robotic System.
Inaugurating the facilities, Nadda stated that “it is a momentous and historic occasion, marking a proud milestone in the journey of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, which has rapidly developed into a centre of excellence in tertiary healthcare, pioneering medical research and delivering high-quality academic programmes.”
Congratulating the entire team of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the Minister noted that while the Institute has already been successfully performing kidney and bone marrow transplants, the commencement of the Liver Transplant Programme marks an important new chapter and a major milestone in strengthening advanced tertiary healthcare services in the region.
Underlining the significance of the initiative, Nadda stated that “the liver transplant facility will bring advanced treatment for end-stage liver disease within the reach of patients in Odisha and Eastern India, including those from West Bengal, Assam, and other neighbouring states, while enabling economically weaker and disadvantaged patients to undergo transplantation and comprehensive follow-up care without financial hardship.
The Institute has established a state-of-the-art Liver Transplant Operation Theatre and a highly advanced Intensive Care Unit equipped with modern medical technology, along with a dedicated Liver Transplant Specialty Clinic for structured post-transplant follow-up and continuity of care. The comprehensive ecosystem developed for liver transplantation ensures seamless treatment, recovery, and long-term monitoring.
As a promising beginning, two successful liver transplants have already been performed, with both patients recovering well and leading normal lives, reflecting the growing clinical capabilities of the Institute.
Highlighting the collective effort behind this achievement, Shri Nadda stated that it is the result of the tireless dedication and perseverance of the surgical gastroenterologists, clinicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff, whose coordinated teamwork made the successful conduct of these complex procedures possible. He congratulated the entire medical and non-medical workforce for their unwavering commitment and professionalism.
Referring to the commissioning of the Surgical Robotic System, the Minister said that AIIMS Bhubaneswar has become the first Government Medical Institution in Odisha to operationalize a comprehensive robotic surgery programme.
Nadda further added that the robotic surgery programme will initially cover Urology, Gynaecology, Paediatric Surgery, and other specialties, and will improve surgical precision, reduce blood loss, shorten hospital stays, promote faster recovery, and minimize the need for patients to travel outside the state for advanced procedures.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms.. Aparajita Sarangi emphasized that AIIMS Bhubaneswar has emerged as a role model for other AIIMS institutions, consistently achieving new milestones in healthcare delivery, medical education, and research.
Addressing the gathering, Union Health Secretary Ms. Punya Salila Srivastav highlighted that the life-saving transplant services are being provided under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, ensuring that economically disadvantaged patients receive comprehensive transplant care without financial hardship.
Dr. Anita Saxena, President, AIIMS Bhubaneswar and Ms. Ankita Mishra Bundela, Joint Secretary, MoHFW were also present on the occasion.
Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar said the 10-bedded, highly advanced Liver Transplant Intensive Care Unit (ICU) along with a specialized modular OT is now fully operational at AIIMS. Robotic surgery programme will initially cater to Urology (including complex oncological and reconstructive procedures), General Surgery, Gynaecology, Paediatric Surgery. Dr. Biswas felicitated the two donors on the occasion.
