Mumbai: In a major boost to affordable healthcare, the government-run St. George Hospital in Mumbai has received official approval to conduct liver transplants. The Maharashtra Health Department granted the license on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the public hospital and bringing new hope to patients who cannot afford costly procedures at private facilities.
The hospital had applied for the liver transplant license in August 2024. However, meeting the stringent criteria took nearly 10 months of persistent efforts by the administration and medical team.
As a government facility, the cost of a liver transplant at St. George Hospital is expected to be significantly lower—around Rs 5 lakh—compared to Rs 20–25 lakh at private hospitals. Patients will also benefit from various government health schemes and donor-funded support, further easing the financial burden. The cost of the facilities is around Rs 4 crore.
Hospital officials said a modern liver transplant centre has been set up on the premises, complete with a dedicated ICU unit with four beds—two for recipients and two for donors. Liver-related OPD services are set to begin soon. The hospital is also bringing in experienced liver transplant surgeons from private hospitals, and a gastroenterologist has been appointed to oversee OPD services.
Initially, the state run hospital will tie up with a well-known private hospital to start liver transplant. They will also teach and train hospital team for future operation. They will teach as honorary and mentor public hospital team. At present, civic run KEM hospital has this facility and this will be first in state run hospital.
This initiative is expected to not only enhance the hospital’s medical capabilities but also provides life-saving treatment to economically weaker sections of society.
