Chandigarh:
In a landmark achievement under the aegis of ROTTO (North), the Command Hospital, Chandimandir, Panchkula , successfully conducted its first-ever live kidney transplant on July 15, 2025 , marking its official transition from a renowned Non-Transplant Organ Retrieval Centre (NTORC) to a budding Transplant Centre.
With guidance, leadership, and coordination provided by ROTTO (North) PGIMER, Command Hospital achieved this significant milestone shortly after being granted its license to perform live kidney transplants earlier this year. The hospital has demonstrated remarkable preparedness and dedication, having previously excelled as a Retrieval Centre and was even awarded as the Best NTORC during 2024 by National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). .
The live donor transplant involved a 50-year-old female donor, Ms. Asha , wife of Late Karan Singh, who donated a kidney to 28-year-old Ms. Jyoti Bala . Both donor and recipient underwent successful surgery at Command Hospital, Chandimandir, further reinforcing the hospital’s readiness and infrastructure for transplant services.
Sharing his appreciation on the achievement, Dr. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER & Nodal Officer, ROTTO (North), stated: “This marks a proud moment for ROTTO North and Command Hospital alike. The transformation from a retrieval centre to a transplant-performing institution reflects the tireless commitment and coordinated efforts of the entire medical team. We are glad to see our vision of expanding transplant services across military and civilian sectors being realized with such precision and care.”
Dr. (Col) Anurag Garg, Transplant Coordinator & Palliative Physician, Command Hospital, Chandimandir , expressed his gratitude and optimism: “Receiving the license earlier this year and culminating with our first successful live kidney transplant has been both a challenge and a triumph. We deeply appreciate the continuous support from ROTTO North and look forward to further contributing to the national organ donation and transplantation movement.”
With this first successful transplant, Command Hospital Chandimandir has joined the growing network of centres in the northern region that are actively strengthening the transplantation ecosystem. This step will go a long way in enhancing accessibility and care for patients in need of organ transplants, particularly from the defense services.
