Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has allocated Rs 558.68 crore for establishing an Institute of Organ and Tissue Transplantation in Kozhikode.

According to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, this initiative aims to tackle the rampant exploitation in the organ transplant sector.

The state Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister on Wednesday, approved the Rs 558.68 crore project to be set up in Kozhikode.

According to a PTI report, “With an estimated investment of Rs 558.68 crore, this initiative promises an affordable alternative for organ transplants, reinforcing Kerala’s remarkable strides in public health and ensuring equitable access to advanced medical care for all,” Vijayan said in a post on X.

He said the hospital will be established in two phases using KIIFB funds.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that Union Health Minister and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya said that purchase of machines, availability of doctors and training will be ensured so that every medical college in the country could have the facility of organ transplant by the end of 2024. The Union Minister was addressing an organ donation pledge programme which was organised for the first time in the country in Agra on the occasion of the Prime Minister's birthday. Union Minister of State for Health Prof SP Singh Baghel was also present on the occasion.

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