THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 23, 2026

 “Liver transplant facility will bring advanced treatment for end-stage liver disease within the reach of patients in Odisha and Eastern India, including those from West Bengal, Assam, and other neighbouring states,” said Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, virtually inaugurating the Liver Transplant Unit and launching the Advanced Robotic Surgery System at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday.

Calling the development a “momentous and historic occasion,” Shri Nadda said the twin initiatives mark a major leap in strengthening tertiary healthcare delivery in the region and will enable economically weaker and disadvantaged patients to access world-class, life-saving treatment without the burden of travelling long distances.

 “The new liver transplant facility is a step forward for a noble cause, fully in sync with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister on organ donation,” he stated, reiterating the national call to transform organ donation into a mass movement. He added that the launch reflects the Institute’s commitment to advancing the cause of organ donation and expanding equitable access to complex medical care.

The Minister noted that while AIIMS Bhubaneswar has already been performing kidney and bone marrow transplants, the commencement of the Liver Transplant Programme marks a new chapter in advanced clinical services. Two successful liver transplants have already been conducted, with both patients recovering well, demonstrating the Institute’s growing clinical capability.

Nadda highlighted that the hospital has established a dedicated Liver Transplant Operation Theatre, a highly advanced Intensive Care Unit, and a specialty clinic for structured post-transplant follow-up, ensuring seamless treatment, recovery, and long-term monitoring. He commended the coordinated efforts of surgical gastroenterologists, clinicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff in making the complex procedures possible.

Referring to the commissioning of the surgical robotic system, the Minister said AIIMS Bhubaneswar has become the first government medical institution in Odisha to operationalize a comprehensive robotic surgery programme. He noted that the technology will enable minimally invasive, high-precision procedures in urology, gynaecology, paediatric surgery, and other specialties, reducing blood loss, shortening hospital stays, and promoting faster recovery while making advanced surgical care more affordable and accessible.

 “These additions would significantly strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and elevate the quality of healthcare delivery, enabling access to advanced, world-class, life-saving treatments for patients across Odisha and neighbouring states,” Nadda said, expressing confidence that the Institute will continue to uphold the highest standards of patient-centric and compassionate care.

Member of Parliament Aparajita Sarangi said AIIMS Bhubaneswar has emerged as a model among newer AIIMS institutions, with the introduction of transplant and robotic services reflecting a decisive shift towards innovation-driven public healthcare aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stated that the transplant services are being provided under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, ensuring that economically disadvantaged patients receive comprehensive care without financial hardship. She noted that the initiative aligns with the ongoing “Angdaan Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyaan” to promote organ donation across the country.

Dr. Anita Saxena, President, AIIMS Bhubaneswar; Ankita Mishra Bundela, Joint Secretary, MoHFW; and senior officers of the Ministry were also present on the occasion.

Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, expressed heartfelt thanks to the Union Health Minister, the Secretary, and his team for their support in making the event a grand success. Dr. Biswas also felicitated the two donors on the occasion.

A 10-bedded, highly advanced Liver Transplant Intensive Care Unit (ICU), along with a specialized modular OT, is now fully operational at AIIMS. The robotic surgery programme will initially cater to Urology, including complex oncological and reconstructive procedures, as well as General Surgery, Gynaecology and Paediatric Surgery, Dr. Biswas said.

With the integration of advanced transplant capability and robotic surgery, AIIMS Bhubaneswar is set to reduce referral burden on metropolitan centres and strengthen eastern India’s capacity for high-end, technology-driven public healthcare.