The agreement is with Lakeshore Hospital, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). "We have given the order for all the equipment which are very expensive and have to be imported. In three months, it will be delivered and installed at the MCH,'' said Doctor Ramdas Pisharadi, principal, Medical College Hospital.

The experts in liver transplant surgeries from these three hospitals will be performing surgery at the MCH initially which would be an opportunity for in-house training. By December this year, MCH can begin liver transplant surgery. The theatre is ready at the super specialty block and the government has handed over the funds to set up the unit, doctor added.

transplant begins in government sector cost would come down. "The transplant could be done at a cost below Rs 20 lakh while it ranges between Rs 35 to Rs 40 lakh in private sector,'' said Doctor Pisharadi.