Crowdfunding platform to support those needing liver transplant

The high cost of transplants is a major challenge, and this is where the role of crowdfunding platforms becomes significant. “Of about 1,000 liver transplant requirements in the State, only about 120 liver transplants are done every year,” say experts.

To bridge this gap, Rela Institute and Medical Centre has joined hands with Milaap, a crowdfunding platform, to provide support to patients in India through crowdfunding. According to the Directorate General of Health Services, 76 per cent of the liver disease fatalities could be prevented with timely intervention through a liver transplant.

“For a patient living with liver disease, the financial burden could be tremendous. The cost of a liver transplant plus a lifelong commitment to immuno-suppressant is out of the reach of a common man. Our collaboration with Milaap has made liver transplants affordable for many,” said Dr Mohamed Rela, a senior liver transplant surgeon.

He said more than 100 families have already benefited via crowdfunding.

“When there is a cure, no matter how complicated or specialised, everyone deserves a fair chance of availing life-saving treatment. Milaap aims to connect those in need with those who can help, and it is amazing to see how so many patients are helped by strangers,” said Anoj Viswanathan, president and co-founder, Milaap.