Organ transplantation scheme extended to BPL patients

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Government of Karnataka has expanded its Organ Transplantation Scheme, which provides financial assistance for transplants to Priority Household Card holders from economically weaker sections. This initiative initially covered kidney, liver, and heart transplants, with a budget of Rs 30 crore in 2018-19. The government has now decided to extend coverage to lung and bone marrow transplants.

The expansion follows government orders issued over the years, including the latest Government, which formally approves these additions. Patients undergoing heart and lung transplants require lifelong immunosuppression drugs, the cost of which has been defined under previous orders. The scheme now ensures these essential medications are included under financial aid. While autologous bone marrow transplantation has been available under HBP 2022, the new scheme specifically includes allogeneic BMT, which was previously not covered.

Given the high cost and complexity of these procedures, this inclusion is a significant step toward improving healthcare access for economically disadvantaged patients. The Finance Department has approved funding and the Cabinet approved the expansion. This move aligns with Karnataka’s ongoing efforts to provide affordable and life-saving medical care.