Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center

Located in the peaceful surroundings of Dudhpati-17, Bhaktapur, just 12 kilometers from the bustling city of Kathmandu, lies the Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center (SDNTC). This vital facility, also known as the Human Organ Transplant Center (HOTC), was established in 2012 by Nepal's Ministry of Health. Its inception marked a significant step forward in enhancing and widening the scope of organ transplantation services in Nepal. The center's outdoor services were inaugurated by the Health Minister of the time, Rajendra Mahato, and the indoor services were initiated under the guidance of the then Health Secretary, Dr. Pravin Mishra.

Rapid Expansion of Services

Initially offering just outpatient and dialysis services, SDNTC has rapidly grown. Under the expert leadership of Senior Transplant Surgeon Dr. Pukar Chandra Shrestha, the center now provides a comprehensive range of services, including advanced organ transplantation.

Addressing a Critical Health Need

In Nepal, the incidence of kidney failure stands at approximately 3,000 cases per year, with around 1,000 people suffering from liver failure annually. Furthermore, with 30% of the diabetic population potentially benefiting from pancreas transplantation, the need for such specialized healthcare services is more pressing than ever.

Core Objectives of SDNTC

SDNTC is steadfast in its commitment to:

1. Enhance and broaden organ transplantation services in Nepal.
2. Offer a range of specialized healthcare services.
3. Provide high-quality healthcare at minimal or no cost.
4. Increase the rate of both living and brain-dead organ donations, while promoting gender equity in organ transplantation.
5. Engage in research to better understand kidney and other organ failures in Nepal.
6. Advocate for necessary policy changes.
7. Organize free health camps nationwide for disease screening.
8. Educate the public about organ failure, transplantation, and donation.
9. Train healthcare professionals to extend services throughout Nepal.

Milestones and Achievements

SDNTC has set benchmarks in organ donation and transplantation, leading the field in Nepal. In the fiscal year 2016-17, the center achieved numerous milestones:

• Passage of the Organ Transplant Act 2072 and Regulation 2073, facilitating cadaveric organ donations and the expansion of living donor programs.
• The first liver transplant in Nepal was successfully performed on December 7, 2016.
• The inaugural brain death donor kidney transplant took place on May 11, 2017.
• Dialysis and kidney transplant services were made entirely free in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
• A record 132 kidney transplants were performed in the 2016-17 fiscal year.
• The first open heart surgery was conducted on November 17, 2016, paving the way for future heart and lung transplants.

The Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center stands as a testament to Nepal's commitment to advancing healthcare, particularly in the field of organ transplantation. Through continuous innovation, world-class treatment, and a patient-centric approach, SDNTC not only provides life-saving medical services but also fosters hope and new beginnings for many.

Healthcare Services

Kidney and Liver Transplantation: Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center (SDNTC) stands as the only specialized organ transplant center in Nepal, performing over 150 kidney transplants annually. Remarkably, within just five years, the center has completed over 500 kidney transplants. Additionally, it's at the forefront of liver transplantation, having successfully conducted three live donor liver transplants and four kidney transplants from brain-dead donors. Notably, renal transplantation, which can cost up to $25,000 in neighboring countries, is offered free of charge for Nepali citizens, while liver transplant costs are significantly lower than the neighboring countries average of $150,000, at about $20,000 in Nepal. This affordability and expertise have attracted an increasing number of international patients.

Nephrology: Advanced and Accessible Treatments: SDNTC provides a range of nephrology services including free hemodialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), and plasma exchange, ensuring comprehensive care for kidney patients.

Urology: State-of-the-Art Procedures: The urology department offers advanced procedures like Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), Cystoscopy, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT), Ureteroscopy (URS), and Uroflowmetry, catering to a wide range of urological conditions.

Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Comprehensive Digestive Care: Equipped with modern technology, the gastroenterology and hepatology services include gastroscopy, colonoscopy, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and surgeries for liver and pancreas resection.

Cardiology and Cardio-Thoracic Vascular Surgery: Advanced Cardiac Care: Offering a spectrum of cardiology services such as ECG, Treadmill Testing (TMT), Ambulatory Blood Pressure (ABP) monitoring, stress echocardiography, and Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE), alongside open heart surgery, lung resection, arteriovenous fistula creation, video-assisted thoracoscopy, bronchoscopy, and angiography and angioplasty in their catheterization lab.

Pathology: The pathology department provides a wide range of testing services including general laboratory tests, serology, microbiology, immunohistology, and immunohistochemistry, ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis.

Radiology: Featuring advanced radiological services with X-ray, ultrasound, and a 256-slice CT scanner for detailed and precise imaging.

Physiotherapy: The physiotherapy department offers a variety of treatments such as ultrasound therapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), inferential therapy, muscle stimulation, and laser therapy, supporting patient recovery and rehabilitation.

Organ Donation Services: Focused on liver and kidney donation services, the center plays a vital role in promoting and facilitating organ donation.

Round-the-Clock Pharmacy Services: To ensure patients have uninterrupted access to their medications, the center operates a 24-hour pharmacy service.

Free Bus Services for Patients: In a compassionate move to ease the burden on patients, SDNTC provides free bus services, reducing the financial strain of travel for those seeking medical care.

Organizational Structure:

• Executive Director
  • Clinical Department
    • Urology and Transplant
    • Nephrology
    • Pathology
      • Medical Lab Technology
    • Cardiology
    • Radiology
      • Radiography
    • Hepatology and Gastroenterology
      • Hepatobiliary Surgery
    • Nursing
  • Administration
    • Under Secretary
    • Section Officer
    • Account Officer
  • Supportive Department
    • Pharmacy
    • Physiotherapy

Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center exemplifies excellence in healthcare, offering a wide array of medical services under one roof. Its commitment to affordability, accessibility, and quality care makes it a distinguished institution in Nepal's healthcare landscape.