ITANAGAR, 28 Sep: Arunachal Pradesh marked a major milestone in its healthcare journey with the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, successfully performing the state's first-ever kidney transplant on a 32-year-old patient.

The landmark procedure was carried out in collaboration with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), New Delhi. The kidney was donated by the patient's elder sister. Both the recipient and the donor are stable.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who also visited the TRIHMS and met the siblings, described the transplant as a "historic milestone" for the state's healthcare sector, saying patients earlier had little option but to travel to metropolitan cities for such highly specialised procedures, involving substantial expenditure.

"TRIHMS was established in 2018 and has since undergone many transformations. We have been coordinating with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for the past three years to achieve this milestone, and our doctors and nurses have been undergoing training at SGRH," Khandu said.

He thanked the SGRH authorities, particularly Dr Harsha Jauhari and his team, saying their expertise, sustained guidance and support played a key role in developing the TRIHMS' capacity to undertake renal transplantation.

During his visit, Khandu also interacted with doctors, nurses, technicians and other healthcare professionals involved in the procedure. He praised the patient's elder sister for donating her kidney and giving her brother "a new chance at life."

Congratulating the people of Arunachal and the TRIHMS team, the chief minister said the state would expand its transplant capabilities, with more kidney and liver transplant procedures expected in the coming days.

Khandu also announced enhanced financial assistance for kidney, bone marrow and liver transplants under the Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY), with support increased by Rs 2.5 lakh for each procedure.

Kidney transplant assistance has been raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12.5 lakh, while support for bone marrow transplantation has increased from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 17.5 lakh. Financial assistance for liver transplantation has been enhanced from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 22.5 lakh.

Khandu said the enhanced assistance is aimed at reducing the financial burden on families requiring expensive and specialised treatment.