Nepal Mediciti Performs Historic Liver Transplant: End of Overseas Treatment?
12th June 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal Mediciti Hospital has successfully conducted the country’s first-ever liver transplant. This marks a major step forward in Nepal’s healthcare system. The transplant took place on Jestha 6 (May 20, 2024) and saved the life of 56-year-old Ishwar Bahadur Karki, a resident of Pokhara.
Nepal Mediciti Historic Liver Transplant
His 26-year-old son Ayush Karki donated a portion of his liver. The operation was led by Dr. Rambabu Sah with support from the hospital’s expert team. The transplant was done in collaboration with Amrita Hospital, a reputed medical institute in India.
A Long Wait For A Historic Success
The hospital shared the achievement during a press conference. Dr. Umid Kumar Shrestha, head of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, called it a turning point. He said, “We’ve worked hard for six years to make this possible. Now, Nepalis no longer need to go abroad for liver transplants.”
Karki’s health had severely deteriorated. His liver and kidneys had both failed. He suffered from symptoms like fluid in the abdomen, confusion, vomiting blood, and blackouts. Many hospitals were hesitant to treat him due to the complexity. They advised both a liver and kidney transplant. However, Nepal Mediciti took the risk. The liver transplant alone brought improvements in his kidney function.
A National Achievement Through Teamwork
Dr. Rambabu Sah, the lead liver transplant surgeon, said this was a team effort. He praised the entire hospital staff for their role in making the surgery a success. From technicians to nurses, everyone contributed.
Hospital chairman Dr. Upendra Mahato also expressed joy. He shared his vision of turning Nepal into a medical hub. “This successful liver transplant is a major milestone,” he said. He believes the country can now offer world-class care within its borders.
The Growing Need For Liver Transplants
Every year, 200 to 300 patients in Nepal need a liver transplant. In the past, these patients had no choice but to travel abroad. According to the Nepali Embassy in Delhi, over 70 Nepalis went to India for liver transplants between 2023 and 2024. These trips were costly and stressful.
Now, with facilities available in Kathmandu, patients have better options. Families will save money and avoid lengthy travel. More importantly, patients can get follow-up care in their own country.
Nepal Mediciti’s Expanding Expertise
This is not the first organ transplant at Nepal Mediciti. The hospital has already completed 45 kidney transplants. It has also performed over 500 hip and joint replacements. These numbers prove the hospital’s growing strength in complex surgeries.
Dr. Shrestha said that success in liver transplant was only the beginning. The hospital plans to expand its services further. It aims to train more specialists and raise awareness about organ donation.
Moving Toward Medical Independence
The successful transplant proves that Nepal’s doctors, infrastructure, and medical systems are capable of handling advanced procedures. It also reduces the country’s dependency on foreign hospitals.
Dr. Mahato believes this achievement shows the world that Nepal can be trusted for serious medical care. The hospital will continue building its capabilities in organ transplant and other life-saving procedures.
A Step for All of Nepal
The transplant has inspired hope across the medical community. Families battling liver disease now see a future where help is nearby. More importantly, this success may encourage more organ donations within Nepal.
The hospital has promised affordable and accessible transplant services. It also aims to create public education programs to explain the importance of early diagnosis and organ donation.
Conclusion
Nepal Mediciti Hospital has made history with this liver transplant. The country no longer needs to depend on foreign care for such critical procedures. With local expertise, teamwork, and vision, Nepal’s healthcare system has taken a giant leap.
The story of Ishwar Bahadur Karki and his son Ayush will inspire many. It shows how love, science, and dedication can work together to save lives.
Nepal now stands ready to offer world-class transplant services, right here at home.
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