Kidney Transplant Pathway
A step-by-step guide to kidney transplantation at Artemis Kidney Hospital
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This information has been reviewed by the Artemis Kidney Hospital Nephrology & Transplant team, but is for educational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified nephrologist before making decisions about your care.
The Transplant Journey
Initial Evaluation
A nephrologist reviews your kidney function (GFR, creatinine levels, dialysis history) and overall health to determine transplant candidacy. Tests include blood group, HLA typing, and cardiac evaluation.
Donor Evaluation
If you have a willing living donor (spouse, parent, sibling, or authorised related donor), they undergo a separate medical and psychological evaluation. Living-donor transplants have better outcomes than deceased-donor transplants.
Transplant Waiting List
If you don't have a living donor, you'll be registered on the state government waitlist under NOTTO guidelines. Your waiting time varies by blood group and medical urgency.
Surgery
The transplant surgery takes 3–4 hours. The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen; your own kidneys are usually left in place unless they cause complications.
Post-Transplant Care
You will be monitored closely for 1–2 weeks post-surgery, then seen weekly for the first month. Lifelong immunosuppressive medication is required to prevent rejection.
Types of Kidney Donation
Living Donor Transplant
- ✓ Better long-term kidney function
- ✓ Shorter wait time
- ✓ Surgery can be planned in advance
- ✓ Available in all states
- ✓ Authorised relative donation allowed under THOTA
Deceased Donor Transplant
Deceased-donor transplant information is available to visitors in states that participate in the national organ donation programme. Contact us for details.
Insurance & Cost Coverage
Your transplant may be covered by major government and private insurance schemes, including:
⚕️ Coverage amounts and eligibility vary by scheme and policy. Verify with your insurer before proceeding.
Start Your Transplant Evaluation
Speak directly with our transplant nephrology team to begin your assessment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
❓Who can be a living kidney donor in India?
Under THOTA 1994, near relatives (spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, grandchildren) can donate after medical evaluation. Non-near relatives require State Authorisation Committee approval, which must be satisfied the donation is altruistic with no payment involved.
❓What is the evaluation process for a living donor?
Every donor undergoes comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychological evaluation by a team independent of the recipient's care. This includes blood group compatibility, HLA matching, kidney function (GFR), imaging (CT/MRI), cardiac assessment, and psychiatric clearance per KDIGO 2024 guidelines.
❓Is kidney donation safe for the donor?
Living kidney donation has a strong safety record at accredited transplant centres. The remaining kidney increases its capacity to compensate. Donors need lifelong routine follow-up (creatinine, eGFR, BP, proteinuria), which the transplant team plans before surgery.
❓Can I sell my kidney in India?
No. Buying or selling human organs is a criminal offence under THOTA 1994. Kidney donation is legal only as a voluntary, unpaid gift. Expense reimbursement for actual costs (travel, lost wages, medical) is permitted per THOTA Sections 3, 9, 19 — but no financial compensation or "gain" is allowed.
❓What insurance covers kidney transplant?
Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY) covers kidney transplant for eligible families up to ₹5 lakh. CGHS, state government schemes, ESIC, and most private/corporate insurance policies also cover transplant. Coverage varies by plan — our team helps verify your specific benefits before treatment planning.