More organ transplant centres needed

There is an urgent need to set up more transplant centres, said Dow University of Health Sciences Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, adding thousands of patients are waiting for kidney transplants in the country.

Speaking at the Renal Transplant Symposium organised by the Renal Transplant Unit of Dow University Hospital, Quraishy mentioned that while there is an annual need for around 20,000 transplants in Pakistan, “we only have the capacity to perform 1,000 to 1,500 transplants.”

He emphasized the importance of finding a timely solution for the thousands of patients waiting for kidney transplants.

Quraishy mentioned that there are misconceptions regarding organ donations in Pakistan, which are attributed to various reasons, including religious beliefs.

He emphasized the need to encourage people to donate organs and raise awareness about preventive measures against kidney diseases.

In his speech, he mentioned that at Dow University, kidney, liver, and bone marrow transplantation services is ongoing, alongside the research in all the fields of medical sciences.

He urged the medical professionals to evaluate their accomplishments and challenges in the transplantation field and emphasized the importance of upholding ethical standards to maintain a high level of care.

Professor Rashid Bin Hamid, the head of the Renal Transplant Unit, stated that the success rate of kidney transplantation in the University is 90%, which is quite satisfactory.

Dr. Tassaduq Khan reported that 570 kidney transplantations have been performed since the establishment of the Renal Transplant Unit in Karachi.

Professor Amjad Sattar, the head of the interventional radiology department, highlighted the importance of radiology in the process of organ donation and transplantation, as it plays a vital role in the care and monitoring of both donors and recipients.

Dr. Faisal Mahmood from Aga Khan University Hospital stressed the widespread prevalence of TB in Pakistani society and highlighted the need to conduct TB risk assessments and initiate treatment for patients before kidney transplantation to minimise risks. Dr Khawar Abbasi from SIUT discussed the significance of B-cell targeted therapy in renal transplantation.

At the end of the symposium, all speakers received shields and certificates, and Professor Lionel Rasting was honored with a traditional Sindhi cap (Topi) and Ajrak.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2023.