The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization honour Medanta’s Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest-Onco Surgery and Lung Transplantation Gurugram, August 28th, 2024: Medanta Gurugram has become the first hospital in the region to receive the recognition of “Active Emerging Lung Transplant Centre in North India” from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). Awarded to the Medanta Institute of Lung Transplantation, led by Dr. Arvind Kumar, the prestigious title is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to advancing specialised lung care and contributing to the broader goal of promoting organ donation and transplantation awareness in India. On receiving this recognition, Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman, Institute of Lung Transplantation, Medanta Gurugram, said, “Lung transplantation represents the pinnacle of hope for those battling end-stage lung diseases, which have emerged as the third leading cause of mortality worldwide, including in India. At Medanta, we have relentlessly pursued excellence in establishing and advancing our lung transplant facility, aiming to deliver unparalleled outcomes for patients across North India. Our dedication has culminated in a remarkable achievement: Since the programme’s inception in November 2022, the Medanta Lung Transplantation Institute has successfully completed 15 lung transplant procedures—the highest number of cases done by any lung transplantation centre within the first 18 months of operation. This exceptional feat, coupled with our sustained initiatives to promote organ donation awareness, has been instrumental in earning this prestigious recognition from the Government of India and NOTTO. Our success is further validated by Medanta's consistent performance and significant case volume, both of which were key factors in our evaluation. The comprehensive expertise of our multidisciplinary team, bolstered by unwavering support from our leadership, particularly Dr. Naresh Trehan, have been pivotal to our success. This recognition not only honours our past achievements, but also fuels our commitment to pushing the boundaries of lung care, offering renewed hope to patients, and setting new benchmarks in transplant medicine.” Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta, said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition. Medanta has been proactive in conducting medical training for doctors and awareness programmes for public to address and dispel misconceptions about organ donation. The hospital has always prioritized excellence by creating an environment where our teams can upskill and innovate with advance medicine to help improve the lives of the people. Acknowledging the challenge of lung availability in North India, we have undertaken extensive outreach and collaborative efforts to enhance public awareness and participation in donation activities. Our commitment is not only to refine our processes and expand our capabilities but also to advance medicine and improve patient outcomes, thereby helping to improve the lives of people." Medanta has long been proactive in conducting community training programmes to address and dispel misconceptions about organ donation. Acknowledging the challenge of the availability of cadaveric organs for transplantation in North India, we have undertaken extensive outreach and collaborative efforts to enhance public awareness and participation in donation activities. As we continue to refine our processes and expand our capabilities through enhanced safety, standardized care, tailored treatments, and cutting-edge therapies, Medanta remains steadfast in its commitment to resolving complex cases and improving patient outcomes and accessibility for all. Lung transplantation is a recognized treatment for various end-stage lung diseases (ESLD), significantly improving survival rates and quality of life. The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry reports 1- and 5-year survival rates of 85% and 59%, respectively, for adult lung transplant recipients since 2010. A top-tier lung transplant facility is essential in providing life-saving interventions, addressing the critical shortage of effective treatments, and improving the lives of patients with severe lung conditions. Speaking about the rise in lung transplants in India, Dr Kumar added, “The number of lung transplants in India has increased significantly. This can be attributed to various factors such as greater awareness, improved availability of facilities, trained manpower, cutting-edge technology, and the development of specialized programmes across various hospitals. Increased awareness among physicians, patients, and the broader healthcare ecosystem has also played a crucial role. A decade ago, only a few cases were performed annually, but today, more than 100 cases are completed each year—a remarkable increase. This growth not only signifies the progress in our capabilities but also represents new hope for patients and their loved ones. I am confident that in the coming years, we will see even more transplantation.” By fostering an environment that encourages continuous improvement and the adoption of cutting-edge medical practices, Medanta is poised to set new standards in organ transplantation. As the hospital continues to address the challenges of organ availability and patient outcomes, its contributions are vital in offering renewed hope and life-saving solutions to those afflicted by end-stage lung diseases.