In a landmark moment for Kerala’s healthcare landscape, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan laid the foundation stone for the Kerala Institute of Organ Transplantation in Kozhikode on Saturday. This state-of-the-art facility at Chevayur promises to revolutionize organ transplant services across the region.
The institute, under the health department, will centralize all transplant-related activities, from cornea to heart procedures, under one roof. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, it aims to perform around 1,100 cornea transplants, 520 kidney, 320 liver, 50 heart, and many more annually, addressing a critical gap in affordable, specialized care.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that private hospitals often charge exorbitant fees for these surgeries, making them inaccessible for many families. ‘This unique institute will stand unparalleled, especially as organ transplants become increasingly vital in modern medicine,’ he stated, urging collective support to ensure timely completion.
Health Minister Veena George hailed the day as a historic milestone, announcing an upcoming scheme for post-transplant medications at the lowest rates in India. Spanning 20 acres, the hospital’s first phase, costing Rs 299 crore plus Rs 99 crore for equipment, will feature 350 beds, 10 operation theaters, ICU, HDU, and a dialysis center across eight floors.
With 14 specialized departments, training programs for doctors and paramedics, and 31 educational courses, the institute will also serve as a research hub. Funded by KIIFB, this project underscores Kerala’s commitment to world-class, equitable healthcare.