In a major milestone for public healthcare in Odisha and Eastern India, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has established a comprehensive Liver Transplant Programme and commissioned a state-of-the-art Surgical Robotic System.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda virtually inaugurated the Liver Transplant Unit and formally launched the Advanced Robotic Surgery System at the institute. Aparajita Sarangi and Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava were also present at the event.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda described the occasion as historic and praised AIIMS Bhubaneswar for rapidly evolving into a centre of excellence in tertiary healthcare, research and academic programmes. He emphasised that the new facilities would significantly strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand access to advanced, life-saving treatments for patients across Odisha and neighbouring states.
New Chapter in Advanced Transplant Services
The Minister noted that while the institute has already performed successful kidney and bone marrow transplants, launching the Liver Transplant Programme marks a transformative step in strengthening advanced tertiary care in the region.
Highlighting the national priority attached to organ donation, Shri Nadda recalled the Prime Minister’s call to transform organ donation into a mass movement. He stated that the timely launch of the liver transplant facility reflects the institute’s commitment to aligning with this national vision and advancing the cause of organ donation.
Importantly, the liver transplant programme will bring advanced treatment for end-stage liver disease within reach of patients from Odisha, West Bengal, Assam and other neighbouring states. Moreover, economically weaker patients will be able to access transplantation and comprehensive follow-up care without the burden of long-distance travel or financial hardship.
Comprehensive Ecosystem for Liver Transplantation
The institute has established a dedicated Liver Transplant Operation Theatre and a highly advanced Intensive Care Unit equipped with modern medical technology. In addition, it has set up a specialised Liver Transplant Clinic to ensure structured follow-up and continuity of care.
Together, these facilities create a seamless ecosystem for treatment, recovery and long-term monitoring. As an encouraging beginning, the team has already performed two successful liver transplants, with both patients recovering well and resuming normal lives.
Shri Nadda credited this achievement to the tireless efforts of surgical gastroenterologists, clinicians, nurses, technicians and support staff. He commended their coordinated teamwork and professionalism in conducting these complex procedures.
First Government Robotic Surgery Programme in Odisha
Turning to the Surgical Robotic System, the Minister announced that AIIMS Bhubaneswar has become the first government medical institution in Odisha to operationalise a comprehensive robotic surgery programme.
As reported by pib.gov.in, the advanced robotic platform will enable affordable, minimally invasive and technology-driven surgical care. Initially, the programme will cover Urology, Gynaecology, Paediatric Surgery and other specialties. Consequently, patients will benefit from greater surgical precision, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
Furthermore, the system will reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state for advanced surgical procedures. According to Shri Nadda, integrating such cutting-edge technology reflects a broader vision to democratise access to high-end surgical care within the public healthcare system.
Ensuring Affordable Access Through Government Schemes
Speaking on the occasion, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted that life-saving transplant services are available under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi. These schemes ensure that economically disadvantaged patients receive comprehensive transplant care without financial hardship.
She also noted that the year is being observed as “Angdaan Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyaan” under the leadership of the Union Health Minister. She expressed confidence that this initiative, along with the Prime Minister’s consistent advocacy for organ donation, would strengthen India’s organ transplant ecosystem.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar as a Model Institution
Aparajita Sarangi stated that AIIMS Bhubaneswar has emerged as a role model among AIIMS institutions by consistently achieving milestones in healthcare delivery, education and research. She described the inauguration of advanced transplant and robotic facilities as a decisive shift toward innovation-driven, patient-centric public healthcare aligned with the vision of world-class healthcare for all.
Dr. Anita Saxena, President of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attended the programme. Ashutosh Biswas and the institute’s team joined the event online.
Concluding his address, Shri Nadda urged faculty and staff to continue upholding the highest standards of compassionate, patient-centric care and to sustain the momentum of excellence built over the past decade.