Chandigarh, 21 March 2026: “A standalone transplant centre at PGIMER will become a reality. We will strengthen infrastructure, expand training, and ensure that transplantation services grow in both scale and impact,” announced Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, while addressing as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the ISTS Annual Conference 2026 at PGIMER Chandigarh.
Currently, transplant services at PGIMER are managed by individual specialised departments, delivering strong outcomes despite a decentralised setup. The proposed dedicated Transplant Centre will unify services, create additional space and infrastructure, and enhance efficiency. It will also enable structured training programmes with simulation facilities, strengthen research capabilities, improve coordination, reduce delays, and significantly upscale transplant volumes and patient outcomes.
Describing transplantation as the highest calling in surgical science, Prof. Lal remarked, “Transplantation is the most noble surgery—it restores not just life, but dignity and hope.” He paid rich tributes to the pioneers of the field, urging the younger generation to draw inspiration from their journeys. “These giants began with nothing—they stumbled, rose again, and never gave up. We stand today on the foundation of their sacrifices,” he said.
Reinforcing the importance of strong fundamentals, Director PGIMER emphasized, “Before becoming good transplant surgeons, one must first become a good surgeon. You cannot run before you learn to walk. Transplantation demands discipline, training, and unwavering dedication.”
Highlighting India’s legacy, Prof. Vivek Lal noted, “The first recorded transplant in medical history was performed by Sushruta. This heritage should inspire us to lead with both pride and responsibility.”
Drawing attention to patient suffering, particularly those undergoing dialysis, Director PGIMER remarked, “Dialysis is a harrowing experience. It is easy to prescribe, but extremely difficult to endure. Transplantation offers dignity, quality of life, and hope.”
Prof. Vivek Lal also acknowledged the silent yet critical role of transplant coordinators and donor families. “The true drivers of transplantation are those who work quietly behind the scenes—counselling families in moments of grief and enabling the gift of life. Their courage defines this movement,” Director PGIMER added.
The session was further enriched by the presence of three distinguished Guests of Honour—Prof. S. N. Mehta, ex Head of Surgical Disciplines, AIIMS New Delhi who shared his professional journey and the challenges of initiating transplant during the early with limited resources and ineffective Immunosuppression. On a similar note, Prof Mukut Minz, Former Head, Deptt. of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER highlighted the evolution of the specialty at PGI Chandigarh. He emphasised the perseverance required to build transplant program and talked about his early years where they started doing transplants initially in dogs to prove success of immunosuppressive drugs. Dr Vatsala Trivedi, Senior Transplant Surgeon from Mumbai also struggled in her years because of gender bias as surgery was considered a male bastion but persisted to start the first donation from deceased donor in Mumbai after passage of law in 1994 and subsequently started many such programs across the country with her grit and determination.
Speaking on the role of the Indian Society of Transplantation, Dr. Harsha Jauhari emphasized, “ISTS has been instrumental in fostering collaboration, advancing scientific exchange, and building a strong academic and ethical foundation for transplantation in India. Such platforms are vital for shaping the future of this life-saving discipline.”
The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head, Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER , who acknowledged the contributions of the faculty, organisers, and participants. “The success of this conference reflects our collective commitment to advancing transplant sciences and improving patient outcomes,” he said.
The session set a compelling tone for ISTS 2026, blending scientific vision with reflections on legacy, leadership, and compassion, while reaffirming PGIMER’s commitment to advancing transplantation as a life-saving and life-affirming discipline.
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