Bangladesh Medical University’s (BMU) Super Specialised Hospital has performed six liver transplants since September 2025, marking a significant development in offering advanced medical procedures within the country. This initiative aims to provide more affordable and accessible care to patients who otherwise might seek treatment abroad at considerably higher costs.

Josna Begum, a homemaker from Dhaka’s Banasree area suffering from liver cirrhosis, was the first recipient of a liver transplant through this program. Prior to the procedure, her family considered treatment overseas, particularly in India, where costs were quoted at around 50 lakh taka. However, the high expense made this option impractical for the family, who were already facing heavy medical bills. Eventually, Josna was referred to BMU by doctors at Mugda Medical College Hospital, where she underwent comprehensive evaluation before receiving a transplant in September last year. Her son, Md Sazzad, donated part of his liver in the operation. Josna spent nearly a month in the hospital and has since recovered, continuing to take necessary medications. The Indian hospital and doctors who had been consulted earlier also provided technical support during the transplant.

BMU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof FM Siddiqui, highlighted the potential impact of establishing regular liver transplants in Bangladesh. He noted that treatment abroad typically costs about Tk 1 crore when including travel and accommodation, making BMU’s locally offered services a more feasible alternative for many. Initially, the university is providing the transplant free of charge through government funding, with the family bearing costs of up to Tk 10 lakh for evaluations, medications, and follow-up care. In the future, BMU plans to introduce a paid service for liver transplants, estimated to cost between Tk 30-35 lakh, still substantially lower than overseas options.

Prof Bidhan C Das, chairman of the Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Liver Transplantation Surgery at BMU, led a multidisciplinary team of doctors from 19 departments in performing the six procedures. The institution intends to maintain an average of two liver transplants per month, positioning itself as the only facility in Bangladesh currently offering this service on a regular basis.

Liver disease remains a significant public health issue in Bangladesh, with around five crore people affected and an estimated 22,000 to 25,000 deaths annually due to cirrhosis and liver cancer, according to Prof Shahinul Alam, chairman of BMU’s Department of Hepatology. Approximately 1,000 patients each year are in need of liver transplants, underscoring the importance of expanding access to this life-saving treatment domestically.

BMU’s recent success in performing these transplants may help shift perceptions about the capabilities of Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Josna’s son expressed hope that with proper support and confidence in local medical professionals, advanced treatments can increasingly be provided within the country, reducing the need for patients to seek care abroad.