Authors
Dr. S Vasudevan, Additional Professor, Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala.
Abstract
Introduction: Socioeconomic rehabilitation is crucial for solid organ transplant recipients, especially in developing countries where funding transplant costs presents significant challenges and ethical dilemmas. Financial planning involves insurance and other sources, but health insurance coverage is often poor.
Context: This article discusses financial support systems, drawing on the ‘Kerala experience’ in India. Kerala’s Karunya Benevolent Fund, along with other government and local funds, provides substantial financial assistance for transplant procedures, significantly easing the burden on families. It also mentions similar programs in the USA.
Key Findings: While transplantation improves quality of life, global inequities persist due to lack of infrastructure and financial constraints, especially in low-income countries. One-time funding is often insufficient; continuous financial and social support from pre-procedure through post-operative care is vital. Poor compliance due to financial hardship endangers graft survival, and lack of health insurance exacerbates catastrophic health expenditures. The situation for patients with failed transplants is likely worse.
Conclusion: Pre-transplant social strata influence post-transplant rehabilitation. Decisions for underprivileged patients require careful consideration of continuous funding. Public-private partnership models, like those in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, can increase access to transplant services and improve outcomes by addressing financial barriers and ensuring long-term support.