Baguio, Indian hospitals ink agreement on liver transplant collaboration

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- Families with children who had a liver transplant, or who are planning to have their child liver-transplanted came together for the launching of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) Liver Center and first regional liver support fora last week.
    Physicians, hospital staff and families witnessed the signing of the collaboration between BGHMC as represented by Medical Chief Dr. Ricardo Runez, Jr. and Apollo Hospital of India, represented by liver transplant surgeon Dr. Neerav Goyal, and Medical Officer Cora Bernabe of the Dept. of Health.
    Arrangements could now be done through BGHMC for infants or children with liver problems, for transplants at Apollo Hospital, India.
    The endeavor came as Dr. Runez, Jr. noted an increase in local liver patients, some with liver illness detected from birth. As local liver treatment facilities are unavailable, Runez and some hospital staff visited the Apollo hospital in India. A pre-pandemic meeting was then called for parents who intended to have their children undergo liver transplants in other countries.
    After agreements, Apollo hospital doctors came to Baguio for the collaboration signing, with BGHMC doctors, representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), representatives from the office of Congressman Mark Go and Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
    For starters, Dr. Germana Gregorio a local pediatric hepatologist-gastroenterologist presented the complexities of having a liver transplant, specifically infants’ cases. She also reported on the status of the referral system, and outcome of Filipino children with transplant here and abroad.
    Dr. Gregorio focused on local and liver transplants done overseas from 1988-2021 and survival rate; liver donations between adults and children and the legal basis; nutritional needs of donee before medical procedure; education and economics for the donation processes.
    Liver operations were reportedly more favorable within a year from birth, and that 10 to 15% of liver transplant are done in the pediatric group. Transplants are done in the US, Hongkong, Taiwan and India, with variations in cost.
    Dr. Goyal also presented his side from the Apollo hospital as to pediatric and cadaveric transplants, rejection, complications and facilities, complete nursing and paramedic staff.       
    With the tagline “No one fights alone,” hope is expressed with a testimonial from a local patient’s grandmother, Marilyn Abratique. She spoke in behalf of the family who with support from the community was able to have her granddaughter’s liver transplant in India a few years ago. The grand daughter is now a healthy child, Abratique said.
    Pediatrician and Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Judy Lyn Vitug also spoke of the hospital’s mission for pediatric liver transplant. There is a need for early recognition and referrals, a need for support from administration as well as support from the local, regional and national executives, family and community support and team work.