Chandigarh PGI Slashes Kidney Transplant Wait to 3 Months

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh has established a highly efficient renal transplant program, significantly reducing patient waiting times. In 2025 alone, the institute performed 248 kidney transplants, slashing the wait for live donor procedures from approximately 12 months to a mere three months. This achievement places PGI as the second-best renal transplant center in India, despite operating with a limited capacity of 50 beds.

PGI has also become a national leader in Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) transplants, a critical procedure for Type 1 diabetes patients with end-stage renal disease. The institute has successfully completed 67 SPK transplants, offering a vital option for those with dual organ failure. Director Prof Vivek Lal highlighted that PGI's program serves as a national model, optimizing outcomes through enhanced coordination and team-based care.

The institute's renal transplant program, which began in 1973, now features two dedicated transplant units. Separate teams ensure faster investigations and reduced procedural delays, with a special group monitoring post-transplant patients. PGI primarily serves patients from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, with many receiving treatment under government-funded schemes, showcasing its commitment to accessible healthcare.