The kidneys' function is to filter blood to remove wastes, control the body's fluid balance, and regulate the balance of electrolytes. Kidney function can fail due to ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure and infection. However, the nature of the organ is so unique that it is possible to lose as much as 80% of kidney function without experiencing any symptoms or problems. When a patient loses 85 to 90 percent of his or her kidney function, they are considered to have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

It is possible to partially replicate the functions of the kidney using a blood filtering procedure known as dialysis. However, this can be inconvenient and time-consuming for the patient as well as the family, so a kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for kidney failure whenever possible.

The challenges faced by ailing families for kidney transplants are two-pronged – 1. getting a cadaver donor and 2. the cost of transplant surgery. Thus, several patients either continue putting up with dialysis or succumb to it due to unaffordability of transplants. Hence, Jupiter Foundation has taken the lead to take over the financial challenge for live-related transplants for end-stage renal disease patients.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Ajay Thakker, Chairman and Managing Director of Jupiter Hospital said, "Jupiter Foundation has taken the responsibility to financially assist those in need for a kidney transplant by bearing more than half the cost of the surgery. The patient’s family will only have to pay INR 2.75 lakh for the entire procedure - from day of surgery till discharge - irrespective of any extended stay or treatment due to unforeseen complications. We want to ensure that this facility reaches every patient who is at the last stage of kidney failure with the hope that they live a healthy and long life after kidney transplant”.

Speaking about live-related donor transplants, renowned multi-organ transplant surgeon Dr. Gaurav Chaubal said, “We have done several successful kidney transplants and always strive to ensure that neither the donor nor the patient face any major problems during or after the surgery. For live-related transplants, we undertake laparoscopic nephrectomy (kidney removal procedure) for the donor - which has several advantages over the conventional open nephrectomy. This enables a shorter hospital stay for the donor with less pain, minimal scarsand an enhanced recovery post the surgery.”

Speaking on the occasion, Nephrologist Dr.ShaileshKakdesaid, "When a patient suffers from permanent kidney failure, and the functioning of the kidney stops to the extent of 85 to 90 percent, the patient either needs permanent dialysis or a kidney transplant. Transplant frees the patient from the need for dialysis after surgery, dietary restriction is also reduced, the physical and mental health of the patient improves, the cost of treatment gets reduced as compared to dialysis. If a kidney transplant is done before he/she needs dialysis, it can save the patient from Hepatitis B or C while the newly transplanted kidney continues to function well."

Jupiter Hospital is well-equipped with the best available facility to conduct successful transplant surgeries and has been successful in transplantingmore than 330 kidneys so far. The hospital is equipped with necessary medical facilities and equipment including a high-quality operation theatre, transplant intensive care unit, beds with dialysis facility etc. In addition, a comprehensive team of full time experts is also available for all kinds of transplants.

Jupiter Foundation provides financial aid through to pediatric patients requiring cardiac surgery under the program 'Hriday-sparsh'. Till date, 65 children have undergone heart surgeries under this program. Jupiter Hospital also runs a Jupiter Charitable Institute in Thane, which is a 51 bedded facility where patients can avail same medical facilities at subsidized costs. The hospital undertakes several such initiatives to ensure that quality healthcare is accessed by maximum number of people in need.