Nepal Launches Online Information Service for Organ Transplants

In a significant step toward improving access to organ transplant services, Nepal has launched an online platform for patients and potential donors to access essential information.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Department of Health Services, the Ministry of Health and Population, and the Sahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Centre, was officially inaugurated by Health Minister Pradip Paudel at a program held in Kathmandu.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Paudel emphasized the importance of the service, stating, “This initiative ensures convenience for citizens nationwide. With 98% of kidney transplant recipients and 90% of lung transplant recipients in Nepal leading normal lives, the government remains committed to expanding transplant services further.”

Dr. Pukar Chandra Shrestha, Chief of the Sahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Centre, shared insights on the center’s achievements. Over the past 12 years, the center has conducted 1,335 kidney transplants and 30 lung transplants. Despite its pivotal role as Nepal’s sole government-run transplant facility, resource constraints currently limit kidney transplants to about 200 patients annually, far below the demand of 3,000 cases.

The newly launched online service aims to bridge the information gap, offering patients and donors a more accessible way to navigate the organ transplant process. This initiative is expected to enhance public awareness and streamline access to life-saving procedures.