Nagpur: Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur is set to become Maharashtra's first government hospital to offer free heart and liver transplants. The state government has approved GMCH's proposal to establish heart and liver transplant centers, and the hospital is now seeking permission to start these surgeries at its Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) unit.

No other government hospital in Maharashtra currently provides heart or liver transplant facilities. "This will be a significant achievement for Nagpur," said Medical Superintendent Dr. Avinash Gawande. GMCH Dean Dr. Raj Gajbhiye is optimistic about starting these advanced surgeries within the next two months, pending approvals from ROTTO and SOTTO. The necessary instruments have been purchased, and a heart transplant committee has been formed.

Dr. Gajbhiye emphasized that the transplants will be free for all patients, regardless of their income. "As a government setup, there are no fees for surgeons, anesthetists, or operating theater use. The institution will also provide the required medicines," he said.