6 free liver transplants successfully performed at BMU, 4 more patients prepared

Six liver transplants have been successfully performed free of cost at the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) under government funding.

Four more patients have also been prepared for liver transplantation, while preparations are underway to perform two additional transplants between 10 and 12 October.

Vice-Chancellor of the BMU Prof FM Siddiqui disclosed the information at a press conference on liver transplantation activities at the Super Specialized Hospital on Tuesday.

He said regular liver transplantation in Bangladesh has entered a new phase, with BMU planning to perform an average of two liver transplants every month, or 24 procedures a year.

“We may be able to receive government support for this programme until 2027,” he said.

Six transplants completed

According to BMU, two of the six liver transplants were performed on 1 and 2 September 2025, while the remaining four were carried out on 3 and 4 July and 11 and 12 September this year.

All six patients are currently receiving follow-up treatment through the university’s Liver Transplant Clinic.

BMU said a liver transplant was performed at the university in both 2019 and 2023, but the programme was not conducted on a regular basis. Following the adoption of a new action plan in April this year, the university began conducting liver transplants on a regular basis.

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Prof Siddiqui said preparations were underway to perform two more liver transplants between 10 and 12 October. Four patients have already been prepared for the procedures.

Transplant may cost around Tk30 lakh

Responding to questions about the potential cost of liver transplantation, Prof Siddiqui said a 14-day hospital package for a liver transplant in a neighbouring country costs around Tk40 lakh in Bangladeshi currency.

Including travel expenses for the donor and recipient, prolonged hotel stays, diagnostic tests and additional ICU costs in case of complications, the total expenditure could reach around Tk1 crore, he said.

However, BMU estimates that a liver transplant could be completed for around Tk30 lakh if the procedure can be performed regularly at the university.

The vice-chancellor stressed that the figure is only a preliminary or rough estimate.

He also said that while the government is currently funding the procedures, it may not be possible to provide liver transplants free of charge indefinitely.

“We may be able to receive government support until 2027,” he said.

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Multiple levels of donor verification

Regarding donor selection and transparency, Prof Siddiqui said the university follows multiple stages of verification to prevent financial transactions and irregularities in accordance with Bangladesh’s laws governing organ transplantation.

The relationship between the donor and recipient, medical suitability and required documents are all verified, he said.

“Our own team also verifies the donor’s identity, background and family relationship. When necessary, we contact the chairman, councillor and other local representatives in the relevant area to ensure that there is no financial transaction or irregularity involved,” he said.

Target of 24 transplants a year

Explaining the target of performing two liver transplants every month, Prof Siddiqui said preparing a donor and recipient takes considerable time.

“A transplant is not possible without medical compatibility, legal approval, psychological preparation and extensive logistical coordination,” he said.

He added that the number of transplants could be increased in the future as the number of patients and the necessary infrastructure expand.

 19 specialized departments involved

BMU said 19 specialized departments of the university were involved in the six liver transplant procedures. A team of specialists from the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospital in Hyderabad, India, also provided technical assistance.

FM Siddiqui emphasized that the achievement was not the success of any single surgeon.

“It was made possible through the combined efforts of surgeons, hepatologists, anesthetists, nurses, resident physicians and the infection control team,” he said.

BMU authorities said the university aims to establish a regular and sustainable liver transplant programme, reduce patients’ dependence on overseas treatment and expand access to complex transplant services within Bangladesh.