Karnataka's Transplant Scheme Saves 500+ BPL Lives

Since its 2019 launch, Karnataka's fully State-funded organ transplant scheme has enabled over 500 life-saving procedures for below-poverty-line (BPL) patients. The program, managed by the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), offers comprehensive financial support for transplant surgeries and critical lifelong immunosuppression medications. This initiative ensures that cost is not a barrier for eligible BPL individuals seeking advanced medical care.

The scheme covers a range of transplants, including kidney, heart, and liver, with financial packages tailored to each procedure's cost. For instance, kidney transplants receive up to ₹2 lakh for surgery and ₹1 lakh annually for medicines, while heart and liver transplants are covered up to ₹11 lakh and ₹12 lakh, respectively. Additional support is provided for more complex procedures like heart-lung and bone marrow transplants.

To date, the state has spent over ₹28.44 crore on transplant surgeries and post-transplant medicines, significantly expanding access to tertiary care for the underprivileged. The scheme operates on the principle that no eligible BPL patient should be denied a transplant due to financial constraints, addressing substantial upfront and long-term expenses. Patients can initiate the process at public health institutes or district hospitals for evaluation and registration.

The program's scope was expanded on January 28, 2025, bringing more procedures under its umbrella. The inclusion of life-long immunosuppression support is a key feature, directly impacting transplant outcomes. Karnataka stands as one of the few states with such a comprehensive, State-funded transplant model, ensuring that critical treatments are accessible to those most in need.