How Much is a Kidney Transplant Cost in India?

The number of cases which do not respond to any medication for their kidney-related disease required kidney transplantation. End-stage renal disease requiring kidney transplantation in India is estimated to be between 151 and 232 per million people. Numerous programmes in India provide kidney transplantation, however, the financial burden on the patient for kidney transplantation and post-operative care is a critical factor in determining whether or not the patient proceeds with the transplant. The cost of a kidney transplant in India can range from INR 5 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs or even more in extreme situations. This estimate typically includes expenses for surgery, hospitalisation, immunosuppression, doctor's professional fees, anaesthesia, laboratory testing, drugs, and follow-up visits.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical operation that involves transplanting a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person suffering from end-stage kidney disease. It is considered a therapy option for those whose kidneys have lost their capacity to function normally, which causes renal failure. Transplanting a kidney has significant advantages over dialysis, which temporarily filters the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so. When compared to long-term dialysis, transplantation can provide an improved quality of life, increased long-term survival rates, and fewer nutritional and hydration limitations. 

Studies have shown that recipients of kidney transplants have a higher long-term survival rate than dialysis patients. However, kidney transplantation is a significant surgical surgery that necessitates careful matching of the donor and recipient, lifelong immunosuppressive drugs to avoid organ rejection, and intensive post-transplant monitoring and follow-up.

Present Situation of Kidney Transplants in India

Kidney transplantation is a common treatment in India. India has numerous kidney transplant centres in both government-funded and commercial hospitals, which provide transplantation services to individuals in need.

Advances in kidney transplantation technology, surgical expertise, & post-transplant care have made it a considerably safer and more commonly performed procedure. The country has a large number of skilled transplant surgeons, nephrologists, and healthcare personnel who specialise in kidney transplantation.

Kidney transplantation can be done with kidneys from living donors, including close family members. Patients who do not have living donors may also consider deceased donor kidney transplantation. Studies have demonstrated that living donors have longer kidney graft function than deceased donors.

The availability of organs, transplantation techniques, and legislation might change over time and across areas. It is recommended that you check with healthcare specialists or kidney transplant clinics in India for the most up-to-date information on the current state of kidney transplants.

Expense of Kidney Transplant in India

Compared to the expense of surgery in many other countries, kidney transplants in India start at INR 5,00,000. This amount includes pre-transplant tests, surgery, and additional costs. The following factors influence the overall cost of kidney transplants in India:

• Donor Availability
• The severity of the patient’s condition
• Transplant required
• Location, classification & clinical infrastructure of the hospital
• Duration of hospital stay
• The expertise and fee of the surgeon
• Diagnostic & other lab tests
• Choice of accommodation, food, and other miscellaneous expenses.
• Expense of Kidney Transplant in India

Here’s a table that shows the cost of kidney transplants in different cities across India

Factors Affecting the Cost of Kidney Transplant

The price of kidney transplants includes pre-transplant evaluation, surgery, and additional spending, making it comparable to that of many other countries. The following factors influence the overall cost of kidney transplants in India:

• Type of Procedure: Kidney transplants can be performed using either open or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is more helpful, requires no stitches, recovers faster, and takes less time than open surgery. As a result, doctors use more expensive surgical procedures.
• Hospital Type: When compared to private hospitals, choosing a government or nonprofit hospital for your kidney transplant will save you money. Public hospitals offer good care at a low cost. As a result, many people choose these facilities for their medical needs. As a result, the wait period is longer, taking 1-2 months to arrive.
• Surgeon’s Fee: A kidney transplant is a vulnerable, difficult process that demands extreme accuracy. This can be accomplished by highly qualified and experienced surgeons in India's major cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The cost of surgery may vary by city.
• Prescribed Medications: Immunosuppressive drugs, often known as anti-rejection medications, are provided during and after surgery. These medications are expensive since the majority of them are produced worldwide and have patents that cost extra. These are critical medications because they prevent the replacement kidney from being rejected and allow for proper kidney function and placement in the patient. Pre- and post-operative drug expenditures are examined independently of surgical costs.
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are used before and following transplantation. It enhances muscle strength, reduces excessive fatigue, and boosts aerobic capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplants, thereby improving their quality of life.
• Hospital Stay: The recovery period after a kidney transplant lasts roughly 10 to 15 days. Hospitalisation costs can rise if the patient stays over the stated recovery period, particularly if the patient requires additional surgeries or days of treatment for infections, or if problems emerge.
• Room Category: Following the kidney transplant, the patient is hospitalised for 10 to 15 days. Admission rooms are classified as either general or private. You can select a room based on your requirements and pricing range.

Conclusion

The cost of a kidney transplant in India varies based on several factors, including the hospital, the type of transplant, the patient's medical status, and post-transplant care. It is critical to check with individual hospitals or medical facilities in India to receive accurate and up-to-date information on the expenses of kidney transplant surgeries. The healthcare provider can provide more thorough and individualised cost estimates based on the patient's medical condition and treatment plan. Furthermore, health insurance coverage and policies might influence the total cost for patients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the minimum price of a kidney transplant?

A: The cost of a kidney transplant in India depends on numerous criteria, with the lowest price being ₹4,50,000.

Q: Does insurance cover the kidney transplant surgery cost?

A: Many private health insurance companies pay kidney transplant operation expenses. Different insurance policies cover a variety of charges. Every personal health insurance policy offers a range to kidney transplant patients based on the amount covered.