Six liver transplants have been completed free of charge, under a government allocation, at the super specialised hospital of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). Four more patients have also been prepared for liver transplants.
The university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Dr F M Siddiqui, gave the information at a press conference on the liver transplant programme held at the super specialised hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
The vice-chancellor said: “A new door has opened for regular liver transplants in Bangladesh. Our plan is to complete an average of two liver transplants a month, that is 24 a year. We may be able to take government support until 2027.”
According to BMU, two of the six transplants were performed on September 1 and 2, 2025. The other four were completed on July 3 and 4 and on September 11 and 12 this year. All the patients are currently receiving follow-up treatment through the university’s liver transplant clinic.
The vice-chancellor said that although one liver transplant each was carried out at BMU in 2019 and 2023, the programme was not continuous. Regular liver transplant work began after a new plan was adopted in April this year.
He said preparations are under way for two more liver transplants between October 10 and 12. Four patients are already prepared for them.
Asked by journalists about the likely cost of a liver transplant, Professor F M Siddiqui said a 14-day hospital package for a liver transplant in a neighbouring country costs about 40 lakh taka in Bangladeshi currency. Beyond that, with travel for the donor and patient, long hotel stays, various tests and additional intensive care costs if complications arise, the total can reach about one crore taka.
He said: “We have calculated that if we can carry out transplants regularly, it will be possible to complete a liver transplant within about 30 lakh taka. This is a preliminary, rough estimate.”
The vice-chancellor said: “A time will come when it will not be possible for us to carry out transplants free of charge. We may be able to take government support until 2027.”
Answering a question on donor selection and transparency, the vice-chancellor said that under the law on human organ transplantation, the relationship between donor and recipient, medical suitability and the necessary documents are verified at several stages to prevent financial transactions or irregularity.
He said: “Our own team also verifies the donor’s identity, origin and family relationship. Where necessary, contact is made with the chairman or councillor of the area concerned, and even with local public representatives, so that there is no financial transaction or irregularity.”
On setting a target of two transplants a month, Professor Siddiqui said it takes a long time to prepare a donor and a recipient. A transplant is not possible without medical matching, legal approval, psychological preparation and extensive logistical coordination.
He said the number of transplants would be increased in future as patient numbers and infrastructure grow.
BMU said 19 specialist departments of the university took part in the six liver transplants. A specialist team from the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) hospital in Hyderabad, India, provided technical support.
The vice-chancellor said: “This is not the success of any one surgeon. Surgeons, hepatologists, anaesthetists, nurses, resident doctors and the infection control team — all together made it possible.”