In a beacon of hope for patients battling end-stage liver disease, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar showcased its cutting-edge liver transplant program during a press conference today.
The event underscored the hospital’s clinical prowess and the urgent need for early intervention in Odisha, where fatty liver disease affects nearly one in three residents, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) impacts one in six, often progressing to cirrhosis.
With cirrhosis prevalence hovering at 16.7% in the state and nearly half of chronic liver disease cases in eastern India diagnosed at advanced stages, experts at the meet stressed the life-transforming potential of organ transplants.
Led by a panel of specialists, including Dr Raj Shekhar K, Consultant Liver Transplant Surgeon; Dr Pratap Behera, Senior Consultant Medical Gastroenterology; Dr Gyanranjan Rout, Consultant Medical Gastroenterology; Dr Sambit Kumar Bhuyan, Consultant Medical Gastroenterology; and Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Cluster Director (South East), Manipal Hospitals, the discussion highlighted how multidisciplinary teams are achieving remarkable outcomes.
Personal testimonies from transplant recipients brought the human element to the forefront.
Sudhir Bhutia, a NALCO employee from Angul, shared his journey:
Persistent stomach pain led me to Manipal Hospitals, where doctors recommended a transplant. On Rakshabandhan, my sister donated part of her liver, giving me a new life. I urge everyone to seek timely care.
Muna Sahoo, also from Angul, recounted his struggles:
After skipping check-ups, my jaundice worsened due to a missing liver vessel. Treatments elsewhere failed, but at Manipal, my wife’s donation in November 2025 turned things around. Don’t delay treatment.
Suryakant Samal from Kendrapada described his ordeal:
Swelling and discomfort in 2024 alarmed my family. Dr. Pratap Behera guided us to a transplant, with my wife as the donor. The team’s support, especially from Dr. Jyotirmaya Jena, was invaluable. We’re thriving now.
Dr. Raj Shekhar K emphasised the efficacy of transplants:
For end-stage liver disease, transplantation offers over 95% success rates when patients are referred early.
Dr. Pratap Behera added:
It’s a collaborative journey with zero mortality in our program, thanks to hepatologists, surgeons, and round-the-clock critical care.
Dr. Gyan Ranjan Rout noted:
Advancements have made transplants accessible and curative for decompensated cirrhosis patients.
Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra reiterated the hospital’s commitment:
We provide not just treatment, but compassion and confidence.
Building on its record of over 600 kidney transplants—the highest in the region—Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar is expanding to heart transplants, solidifying its role as a leader in innovative care.
The event ended on an uplifting note, with patients thanking the teams for turning despair into renewed hope.
