Bengaluru Gets Its First Unified Heart–Lung Transplant Command Centre at Apollo

Apollo Hospitals Expands Karnataka’s Transplant Capacity with Dedicated Heart & Lung Unit

Bengaluru, December 2, 2025:
Apollo Hospitals has launched its dedicated Heart & Lung Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Unit at Apollo Seshadripuram, marking a major boost to advanced cardiac and respiratory care in Karnataka. The unit was formally inaugurated by Dr. J. Ravishankar, IAS, Managing Director, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

This centre is Apollo’s first fully integrated heart–lung transplant facility in Karnataka, establishing it as a key referral hub for the state and neighbouring regions. The launch follows the widely recognised heart transplant in which Namma Metro enabled rapid organ transport, drastically reducing transit time and contributing to a successful outcome.

Speaking at the event, Dr. J. Ravishankar IAS said public infrastructure can directly strengthen emergency healthcare in a growing city like Bengaluru. He added that BMRCL will continue supporting initiatives that enhance time-sensitive medical response.

The new centre is equipped with specialised operating theatres, transplant-ready ICUs, advanced monitoring technologies, and dedicated rehabilitation services. It offers a full range of therapies, including heart, lung, and combined heart–lung transplants, select multi-organ procedures, ECMO support, and retrieval services for critically ill patients across the region.

Dr. Kumud Kumar Dhital, Programme & Surgical Director, noted that years of collaboration between Apollo’s Chennai and Bengaluru teams have built a strong clinical network capable of delivering seamless care for end-stage organ failure.

Dr. Srinivas Rajagopala highlighted the importance of meticulous pre- and post-operative management in lung transplantation, while Dr. Ravi Kumar emphasised the need for coordinated care to ensure predictable outcomes.

Uday Davda, Vice President, Apollo Seshadripuram, said the initiative reinforces Karnataka’s position as a major contributor to the national organ donation pool. Akshay Oleti, CEO – Karnataka Region, added that the new unit marks a significant leap in delivering world-class cardiac and respiratory care.

Patients who have undergone transplants also shared heartfelt gratitude, particularly the recent recipient whose donor heart arrived swiftly via Namma Metro.

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