How Much Does Kidney Transplant Cost in India?

The prevalence of end-stage renal disease requiring Kidney transplantation in India is estimated to be between 151 and 232 per million population ( Reference : Modi G, Jha V. Incidence of ESRD in India. Kidney Int. 2011;79:573). There are a large number of programs offering Kidney transplantation in India, but the financial burden on the patient for kidney transplant and its post operative care is an important aspect which decides whether the patient goes for transplant or not.

The cost of a kidney transplant in India can range anywhere from INR 5 Lakhs to INR 15 Lakhs or even higher in some cases. This estimate typically covers the expenses related to the surgery, hospital stay, Immunosuppression, Doctor professional fees, anaesthesia, laboratory tests, medications, and follow-up visits.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure^[1] in which a healthy kidney from a donor, either living or deceased, is transplanted into a person with end-stage kidney disease. It is considered a treatment option for individuals whose kidneys have lost their ability to function effectively, leading to kidney failure. Kidney transplantation offers several advantages over dialysis, a treatment method that artificially filters the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so. Transplantation can provide a better quality of life, improved long-term survival rates, and greater freedom from dietary and fluid restrictions compared to long-term dialysis. Studies have shown that renal transplant recipients generally have a better long-term survival rate compared to dialysis patients

However, kidney transplantation is a major surgical procedure that requires careful matching of the donor and recipient, lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection, and close post-transplant monitoring and follow-up care.

Current Scenario of Kidney Transplants in India

Kidney transplantation is a well-established procedure^[1] in India. India has significant kidney transplant centers in government-funded institutions and private hospitals, providing transplantation services to those who need them.

Advances in kidney transplantation techniques, surgical expertise, and post-transplant care has made it a much safer and regularly performed surgery. The country has a pool of skilled transplant surgeons, nephrologists, and healthcare professionals specializing in kidney transplantation.

Kidney transplantation^[2] can be performed using kidneys from living donors, which may include close relatives donors. Additionally, deceased donor kidney transplantation is an option for patients who do not have living donors. Studies have shown that living donors have a longer kidney graft function compared to deceased donor grafts.

The availability of organs, transplantation protocols, and regulations may vary over time and across different regions. It is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals or kidney transplant centers in India for the most up-to-date information on the current scenario of kidney transplants.

Cost of Kidney Transplant in India

Compared to the cost of surgery in many other countries, the cost of kidney transplants in India begins at INR 5,00,000. This figure includes pre-transplant evaluation, surgery, and further fees. The following variables affect the general cost of kidney transplants in India:

• Availability of the donor
• The severity of the patient’s condition
• Type of transplant required
• Location, classification, and clinical infrastructure of the hospital
• Duration of hospital stay
• The expertise and fee of the surgeon
• Diagnostic and other lab tests
• Additional factors - choice of accommodation, food, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Cost of Kidney Transplant in Different Cities of India

Open nephrectomy or laparoscopic nephrectomy are the two procedures used for kidney transplants. In India, the price of a kidney transplant can range from INR 5,00,000 to INR 15,00,000. You might pay more for minimally invasive surgery, though. It is the typical kidney transplant price in India, where you will find some of the best medical facilities and kidney specialists. India offers kidney transplants at a fraction of the cost of other nations while maintaining the highest standards of care.

Note: The above cost is an estimated value that can vary according to the surgeon, hospital, and location.

Cost of Diagnostic Tests For Kidney Transplant In India

The patient's medical condition is assessed by the preoperative tests^[1]. The diagnosis listed below enables medical professionals to reduce surgical risk by taking additional action. You can use this to determine how much a kidney transplant will cost in India.

A. Tests to Determine Donor and Recipient Compatibility:

A donor is put through a series of blood tests and scans to determine whether they are healthy and compatible to donate a kidney. This test consists of:

C. Immune System Exams:

D. Lung Tests:

E. Heart Tests:

F. Blood Flow Tests:

G. HLA  and lymphocytic cross match : 35000- 50,000

Note: The cost listed above is an estimate; actual costs may vary from hospital to hospital.

Factors that May Affect the Cost of Kidney Transplant

Pre-transplant evaluation, surgery, and other costs are all included in the price of kidney transplants, which is comparably less expensive than in many other nations. The following variables^[3] affect the general cost of kidney transplants in India:

1. Type of Procedure: Open and laparoscopic surgery are the two methods used to perform kidney transplants. Laparoscopic surgery is more beneficial, stitch-free, quicker to recover from, and less time-consuming than open surgery. As a result, doctors use more expensive operative techniques.

2. Hospital Type: Compared to private hospitals, the costs are lower when you choose a government or charitable hospital for your kidney transplant. Public hospitals provide excellent care at a reasonable price. As a result, many patients select these hospitals for their medical care. As a result, the waiting time is also longer and takes 1-2 months to arrive.

3. Surgeon’s Fee: A kidney transplant is a delicate complex procedure that requires great accuracy. Highly qualified and experienced surgeons can accomplish this in India and its major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The cost of surgery may vary in different cities.

4. Prescribed Medications: Special medications called immunosuppressive drugs or anti-rejection medications are prescribed during surgery and post operatively. These medications are expensive as most of them are produced internationally and have patents which cost more. These are important medications as they prevent the new kidney from rejection and allow a good kidney function and placement in the patient. . Pre- and post-operative medication costs are assessed separately from surgical costs.

5. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Both before and after transplantation, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation are used. It improves muscle strength, prevents extreme fatigue, and strengthens aerobic capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplants to help them improve their quality of life.

6. Hospital Stay: The recovery period following a kidney transplant takes about 10 to 15 days. Hospitalization costs could rise if the patient stays past the allotted recovery period, especially if the patient has to undergo more procedures or needs more days of treatment for infections, or if any complications arise.

7. Room Category: The patient remains in the hospital for 10 to 15 days after the kidney transplant. There are two types of admission rooms: general and private. You can choose the room based on your needs and price range.

Does Medicare Cover The Cost Of Kidney Transplant?

Kidney transplant surgery^[1] (including care before, during, and after the surgery) gets covered by insurance companies with a portion of the costs for blood and doctor services. In India there are some insurance companies which cover the transplant cost, but the insurance has to be applied for when the patient did not have the renal failure and there has to be at least a 3-5 year period when the patient cannot apply for transplant cover after the insurance . So a lot of patients do not get the insurance and this adds to the cost. It is advisable to have comprehensive health insurance when one does not have any ailments to be able to utilise this benefit.

Summary

In conclusion, the cost of a kidney transplant in India can vary depending on several factors, including the hospital, the type of transplant, the patient's medical condition, and post-transplant care.

It's vital to consult with specific hospitals or medical facilities in India to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on the costs involved in kidney transplant procedures. The healthcare provider can provide more detailed and individualized cost estimates based on the patient's specific medical condition and the planned course of treatment. Additionally, health insurance coverage and policies can impact the overall cost for patients.

Need More Details About Kidney Transplant?

If you want more details about kidney transplants, speaking to the best doctors and experts in the field will get you relevant answers. Our expert team of doctors is skilled in addressing your needs, and we at DPU Private Super Specialty Hospital pride ourselves on providing top-notch patient care. To address any issues or concerns, call our office or schedule a consultation here.

References:

[1] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidney-transplant

[2] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/kidney-transplant

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4970385/