The Kidneys are crucial organs of the body as they aid in the maintenance of electrolyte balance in the body. If your kidneys get diseased or injured, you can become extremely unwell due to the accumulated waste in the body.
In the event of chronic kidney failure, the only choice is a kidney transplant. It is a surgical technique which involves replacing a sick or failing kidney with a healthy kidney from a deceased individual or a matching donor.
Are you or a loved one considering kidney transplantation in India? If so, this post is your comprehensive guide to understanding all the factors determining a kidney transplant cost in India, including eligibility, procedures, the best hospitals, and more. So, let’s begin!
Requirements for Being Eligible for a Kidney Transplant
Before having a kidney transplant in India, a patient must go through a complete medical assessment to verify that they are eligible. The following are some of the criteria that are taken into account:
- Age – Patients must be between 18 and 70 to be eligible for kidney transplantation in India. However, the age restriction may vary based on the patient’s general health.
- Blood Type Compatibility – To receive a kidney transplant in India, the recipient’s blood type must be compatible with the donor’s blood type. If the patient’s blood types are incompatible, they may need to wait for a donor with a compatible blood type.
- Medical Fitness – Patients must undergo a series of medical tests to assess their general health and ensure that they can have surgery sans any issues.
- Additional Variables – Obese individuals, those with a history of substance abuse, and those with a weak support system may be ineligible for kidney transplants in India.
What is the Kidney Transplant Procedure in India?
In India, kidney transplantation surgery is conducted under general anaesthesia. Thus, the patient is not awake or conscious during the procedure. In broad terms, the following steps are included in the surgery:
- The doctor creates an incision on the belly, usually on the lower section of one side, and inserts the donor’s new kidney into this side of the body.
- The patient’s own kidneys are left in place unless they are creating issues such as kidney stones, high blood pressure, or any other type of discomfort.
- The doctor next links the veins of the new kidney to the veins in the patient’s lower abdomen.
- The replacement kidney’s ureter, which links the kidney to the bladder, is then attached to the patient’s bladder.
- Throughout the kidney transplant procedure, the surgical team checks the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level.
What is Kidney Transplant Cost in India?
The average kidney transplant cost in India is 6 to 12 lakhs. That’s quite a significant amount. But the good news is that India is known for its affordable healthcare services, and the cost of kidney transplantation here is comparatively lower than in other countries. Let’s look at the factors associated with the kidney transplant cost.
Diagnostic Cost of Kidney Transplant in India
One significant component of kidney transplant prices in India is the cost of diagnostic tests. These diagnoses allow surgeons to make further efforts to reduce surgical risks. Among them are the following:
- Compatibility Test of the Donor & Recipients
- Immune System Tests
- Liver Tests
- Blood Tests
- Heart Tests
- Lung Tests
- Kidney Function Test
The overall costs of all these tests can lie within one to two lakhs.
The following table breaks down the costs of various diagnostic tests. Remember that the prices listed are subject to change based on your location, lab, hospital, and other factors. Take a look and see what you can expect to pay for the tests you need.
| Test | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Metabolic panel blood test | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 |
| Liver Function Test (LFT) | ₹300 – ₹1,000 |
| Lipid profile | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Blood typing test | ₹300 – ₹600 |
| CBC blood test | ₹200 – ₹300 |
| Coagulation test | ₹300 – ₹900 |
| Antigen-antibody test | ₹250 – ₹500 |
| HIV tests | ₹500 – ₹1000 |
| Chest X-ray | ₹500 – ₹2000 |
| Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) | ₹800 – ₹1500 |
| ECG | ₹300 – ₹700 |
| The cardiac Stress test measures the heart’s electrical activity as you exercise on a bicycle or treadmill | ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Doppler Ultrasound | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
| Pelvic CT scan | ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 |
What are the Factors Affecting Kidney Transplant Price in India
The key factors that affect the cost of kidney transplants in India are:
- Type of Transplant – Living donor transplant is usually more expensive than a deceased donor transplant because it involves the cost of surgery for both the donor and the recipient.
- Hospital Charges – Private hospitals may charge more than public hospitals due to the higher quality of care and facilities.
- Hospital Stay Period & Room Category – Patients who require a longer hospital stay or a higher category room may have to pay more for their treatment.
- Age of the Patient – Older patients may require additional medical care before and after surgery, and they are at higher risk of complications which can increase the overall cost of the procedure.
- Surgeon – The surgeon’s fee can vary depending on their experience and reputation.
- Donor Charges – The cost of kidney transplant surgery may also include the cost of the donor’s medical care, such as medical testing, hospital stay, and other medical expenses.
- Medications, Physiotherapy, and Follow-up Care – The cost of medications prescribed before and after surgery, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation can add to the overall cost of treatment
Comparison of Kidney Transplant Cost in India With Other Countries
The cost of a kidney transplant in India is much lower than in other nations. Even in nations where healthcare expenditures are normally cheaper, such as Thailand and Singapore, the cost of kidney transplantation might be twice as high as in India.
Of course, the price may vary based on the facility you select and the circumstances of your case, but in general, India is a far cheaper alternative.
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| India | $8,500 to $17,000 |
| Singapore | $49,000 to $70,000 |
| United Kingdom | $49,000 to $56,000 |
| United States | $2,00,000 to $4,00,000 |
| UAE | $28,000 to $35,000 |
| Canada | $28,000 to $35,000 |
Best Hospital for Kidney Transplant in India
Best Hospital for Kidney Transplant in India are:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Apollo Hospital, Bangalore
- Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
- Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi
- Ruby General Hospital, Kolkata
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
- Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
- Apollo Hospital, Chennai
FAQs
1. What Happens to Old Kidneys After Transplant?
During the transplant surgery, the old kidneys are usually left in place unless they are causing health problems for the patient.
2. How long does a kidney transplant last?
The lifespan of a transplanted kidney varies from person to person, but on average, a kidney transplant can last between 15 and 25 years.
3. How many kidney transplants can a person have?
On average, a person can undergo 2 to 4 kidney transplantations. However, the more transplants a person receives, the lower the success rate.
4. How long does kidney transplant surgery take for the donor?
The surgery to remove a kidney from a living donor usually takes between 2 and 3 hours.
5. How Much Time It Takes for Kidney Transplant?
It may take as long as 4 hours. for kidney transplant
6. Can a kidney transplant patient drink green tea?
Yes. Generally, drinking green tea in moderation doesn’t cause any harm. But it is always advisable to consult your healthcare advisor regarding your diet.
