Bhopal, May 6 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government has outlined a comprehensive strategy to strengthen organ transplant services, enhance financial support and boost public awareness, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation from AIIMS Bhopal.

The meeting focused on improving transplant infrastructure, streamlining organ retrieval systems and ensuring better coordination among government hospitals and medical colleges across the state. It also reviewed the progress made in organ transplant procedures at AIIMS Bhopal in recent years.

“The state government is making continuous efforts to promote organ transplant activities across Madhya Pradesh. Through organ donation, we can bring a new ray of hope into the lives of many people,” Shukla said.

A major decision taken during the meeting was to enhance financial coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Discussions were held on increasing the existing package for kidney transplants and bringing costly procedures such as heart and lung transplants under its ambit.

The state government is also considering extending support through the Chief Minister’s Care Fund to ensure affordability for patients.

Officials informed that AIIMS Bhopal has successfully conducted multiple organ transplant procedures, reflecting steady improvements in healthcare capacity and institutional coordination.

These developments are expected to significantly benefit patients suffering from end-stage organ failure.

The meeting also placed strong emphasis on strengthening the organ retrieval process. This includes early identification of brain-dead donors, faster consent mechanisms and timely transfer of organs to designated centres to minimise delays.

The use of advanced technologies, including robotic-assisted transplant surgeries, was also discussed to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.

The delegation, led by AIIMS Bhopal Director Dr Madhabananda Kar, proposed the creation of a common digital platform to integrate hospitals and medical institutions.

The proposed system aims to streamline organ allocation, improve transparency and ensure real-time coordination during transplant procedures.

Shukla also appreciated the initiative of honouring organ donors with a “Guard of Honour”, noting that families of donors are felicitated on national occasions such as Republic Day and Independence Day, helping build a positive social attitude towards organ donation.

“Awareness campaigns, workshops and dialogue programmes are being organised to encourage more people to come forward for this noble cause. Public participation is key to making organ donation a mass movement,” he added.

–IANS

pd/pgh