Punjab govt to provide free kidney, liver, other transplants

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched “Chief Minister Transplant Programme,” the most comprehensive transplant programme in the country’s history, offering five types of free transplant operations, including liver and kidney transplants.

For the first time in Punjab, the programme will enable the common man to receive these transplants at government’s expense. These transplants include liver, kidney, bone marrow, cornea, as well as cochlear implants for children born deaf.

After getting themselves registered with the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority, deserving patients can benefit from the Chief Minister Transplant Programme.

In addition to government hospitals, the organ transplant facility can also be availed at private hospitals. A toll-free number “09009 0800” has been set up for seeking information on the programme.

The chief minister said, “State is aware of the need of every citizen, we will fulfil our duty.” She added, “Transplantation is a very complicated and expensive process, a common man cannot afford it, now the state will fulfil this duty.” She highlighted, “After restoring hearing with a cochlear implant, children will be able to live a normal life.”

Maryam Nawaz said, “Government will bear the cost of liver and kidney transplantation, there will be no burden on patients.” She added, “With the successful transplantation of cornea, people deprived of vision will be able to lead a normal life.”

Meanwhile, children in prison enjoyed the cricket match to the fullest, as on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, jail authorities arranged to show children ICC Champions Trophy matches on a big screen. She said, “the start of showing matches of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament in a regular manner in prisons is a welcome move.”